Kru

Kru is a title used in Cambodia and Thailand to denote a teacher or master, especially in the arts and in traditional forms of apprenticeship. In Khmer, the word is គ្រូ and broadly means teacher, mentor, or instructor. In Thai, khru (ครู) has a similar meaning and is widely used to address educators in schools, music, dance, and performance arts, as well as instructors in combat sports such as Muay Thai.

In Cambodian contexts, a Kru often trains performers in classical dance, theater, and traditional crafts, and in martial arts such as Bokator and Pradal Sere. In Thai classical dance and other performing arts, the Kru is the master who transmits technique, choreography, and the associated repertoire, preserving lineage across generations. In Muay Thai and other martial arts in Thailand, the trainer is commonly called Kru, a sign of respect for mastery and the responsibility to mentor students.

A Kru is typically a senior practitioner who oversees long-term training, evaluates students, and passes on tacit knowledge, including posture, timing, and ethical conduct. The title carries social prestige and denotes a relationship akin to a master-apprentice bond. The term is used in both formal institutions and private studios, reflecting a cultural emphasis on mentorship and skill transmission rather than credential alone.