The North East Open was hosted by Hartlepool Wadokai 3 times per year since it's inception. Due to English NGB changes, the event is now delivered by Great North Karate. Hartlepool Wadokai continues to support this event as main sponsor, hand many volunteers to help deliver this event. 

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World Karate Federation rules are used. Any and all profits from these events are reinvested back into Karate to further develop the sport/martial art.