"It is a great honour to be part of such an exciting and innovative project" said development officer Carl Jorgeson. Carl continued "We are hoping with the support of the HSA and its members we can continue to grow and develop and achieve greater things" Hartlepool Wadokai began trading in 2003 under the management of Carl and Michael Jorgeson. After a short trading period, it was decided to bring on board a small committee to help run club affairs. With the new management team in place, the club flourished. It now has a very loyal base of students, parents and volunteers who support the club in a variety of ways.

In 2008, Carl Jorgeson (Chairman and Instructor) and Amy Coulson (Treasurer and Instructor) secured a one year contract working at a very famous and successful karate dojo in Japan. Allowing them to train almost full time at the source of karate and benchmark Hartlepool Wadokai against the successful Shiramizu dojo.

Shaun Hope, Head of Sports Development concluded "We are delighted to welcome Hartlepool Wadokai on board, they have a reputation of being a forward thinking club within their sport. The experiences gained by Carl and Amy on placement in Japan, along with club coach Vince Dawkins studying a degree in sport, signifies the importance Hartlepool Wadokai place on Education in Sport'. I am sure this will be another successful addition."