About Out Logo

In April 2021, the club adopted a new name and logo. Nova is Latin for new, as in Nova Scotia (New Scotland) on the east coast of Canada. Use of the term jutsu acknowledges our focus on efficacy of technique. Function over form is an underlying theme at Nova Karate Jutsu.

The head of the Shotokan tiger is a subtle nod to our roots. Although the teaching pedagogy at NKJ is quite a departure from the our Shotokan roots, that training has had an undeniable influence on many aspects of their teaching.

The logo is features a ring resembling an Ensō circle which is symbolic and is associated with Zen. The Ensō symbol represents enlightenment, limitless strength, the universe, or mu (the void). My sensei was fond of the concept of mushin (mind-no-mind) so the Ensō is also an acknowledgement of his philosophical teachings.

A closed Ensō represents perfection, totality, and wholeness. A circle that is broken or incomplete allows movement for development and embraces wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection. This is in keeping with the philosophy at NKJ where function drives form.