Guro

Filipino word for teacher, a common instructor title in Filipino martial arts (arnis, eskrima, kali).

Quick Facts

Term typeTitle and rank

LanguageFilipino

Formnoun

Pronunciation[goo-roh]

Alternative Namesteacher

Readings and romanizations

IPAˈguro

Definition

Guro is the Filipino word for teacher, derived from the Sanskrit guru. In Filipino martial arts such as arnis, eskrima or kali, instructors are addressed by it. A lead teacher may bear the title punong guro, “head teacher”. Titles in the Filipino arts are not unified. Besides guro, maestro, manong or grandmaster are used, depending on the school and organization.

Relations to other terms

Equivalent in another art

Sensei先生

Japanese form of address for a teacher, literally “one who was born earlier”. In the dojo it goes to the training leader, in Japan also to a doctor or lawyer.

Associated Martial Arts

Eskrima