# Kano

/ˈkɑnoʊ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kano
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a person who is very good at something, especially someone who is a master of a martial art like judo or karate.

For teachers: a title of respect for a master or high-ranking practitioner in Japanese martial arts. Often used as a suffix after a surname to acknowledge expertise or authority.

## Examples

- The kano showed the students the correct way to move.
- After decades of practice, he was finally recognized as a kano by the international martial arts federation.
- The philosophical teachings of the kano emphasize that physical mastery is secondary to the development of a disciplined and ethical character.

## Usage notes

- Often capitalized when used as a formal title before or after a name.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.