Administratively, the Club is operated by a volunteer Board of Directors, elected from the membership on a yearly basis. The Constitution and Bylaws of the Club, which sets forth the operational mandates, govern this volunteer Board.

The Technical Director, Mr. Rick Jorgensen, a seventh degree black belt with the Japan Karate Association, guides Midwest Karate Club. Mr. Jorgensen has extensive experience. He is one of a handful of individuals who have achieved this rank in Canada through the Japan Karate Association system of training. He is recognized internationally as a top referee and judge. In fact, Mr. Jorgensen is one of 13 officials in the world invited by the Russian Olympic Committee to participate in an elite competition hosted by that organization in May 2000.

His background includes sitting on the Board of Directors of Sask. Sport Inc., the organization responsible for the disbursement of lottery funds in Saskatchewan. He will be inducted into the Sask. Sport Hall of Fame in June 2000, joining such notables as Gordie Howe, Sid Abel, Johnny Bower and Glenn Hall.

Mr. Jorgensen is the author of the National Coaches Certification Program (NCCP), Level I - Technical Manual for Karate and the Coaching Model for all 5 levels of NCCP for Karate. These have been adopted by the Coaching Association of Canada and form the basis of NCCP certification for Karate coaches across Canada.

In addition to his technical skills, Mr. Jorgensen held the position of President, Saskatchewan Karate Association for 19 years prior to moving to Ontario. Under his guidance, the Saskatchewan Karate Association flourished, developing from 3 clubs in 1977 to clubs in over 26 communities in 2000. The Saskatchewan Karate Association receives grants from the provincial lotteries. Depending on the activity and development undertaken by the Association each year, annual grants ranging from $50,000.00 - $90,000.00 were received.

During his tenure, the Saskatchewan Karate Association undertook a significant research project to determine benefits of youth associated with training in Traditional Karate, copies of which are available at the Welland Dojo. Under the guidance of the Department of Social Work, Mr. Jorgensen served as the project's team leader. A summary called "Kids In Karate" is attached for the information of the reader.

Teaching Traditional Karate is not Mr. Jorgensen's primary source of income. He is a highly skilled coach who has given freely of his time and expertise in order to advance the understanding and exposure of individuals to the virtues of Traditional Karate.