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Tracy

Tracy Dickey is the founder of Empty Hand Open Heart, a ministry born from her own journey through deep pain and God’s healing. Out of a personal season of trauma, she carried a simple, determined dream: to help others not only survive, but truly thrive on the other side of their hardest moments.

For Tracy, martial arts is more than movement or medals, it’s a language of courage, discipline, and hope. Her love for karate blends seamlessly with her passion for serving women who have faced domestic violence and sex trafficking. She is fiercely committed to making Empty Hand Open Heart a place where women are seen, safe, and supported—a haven where they can rebuild both inner and outer strength, one small, brave step at a time.

For the past 10 years, Tracy has faithfully volunteered at local domestic-abuse shelters and rescue shelters for victims of sex trafficking. Week after week, she shows up teaching, listening, praying, and standing beside women in the long work of healing. Through practical self-defense, trauma-sensitive instruction, and steady encouragement, she has helped hundreds of women reclaim their confidence, dignity, and sense of agency. She knows that recovery is not a quick fix but a lifelong journey, and she makes it her mission to walk with women for as long as they need someone in their corner.

Tracy’s deep experience in martial arts is the backbone of this work. During her own recovery, she began training in traditional Isshinryu karate. Over the past 21 years, that commitment has led her to earn a 5th degree black belt and the title of Renshi, which means “Polished Instructor”, a rank beyond the esteemed title of Sensei. Fifteen years ago, she founded East Plano Martial Arts, a dojo marked by both technical excellence and genuine care for students.

Her dedication has been recognized at the highest levels. In 2006, Renshi Dickey became a World Champion in Isshinryu. In 2015, she was named Female Karate-Ka of the Year by the International Isshinryu Hall of Fame, an honor given to one woman each year who exemplifies the spirit of Isshinryu in skill, character, and service. She has received the Harold Mitchum Humanitarian Award from the same organization not once, but twice (2019 and 2022) for her acts of service in the community.

These achievements are not trophies on a shelf to Tracy, they are tools she uses to serve. She pours everything she has learned into her karate students, the women in shelters, and the growing work of Empty Hand Open Heart. She also continues to volunteer at The Local Good Center in Plano, extending her reach into more corners of the community.

Tracy’s life is firmly anchored in her faith and her family. She has been married to her husband, Kurt, for 32 years, and together they have three sons and three grandchildren whom she absolutely adores. She has always been a hands-on, present mom, often volunteering as “team mom” in various sports and serving as Head Safety Marshal and Meet Director for USA Swimming.

Her heart for service also flows through her church life. Rooted in Christ and grateful for His sustaining strength, Tracy has spent years teaching and leading in faith communities. She previously taught Vacation Bible School at First United Methodist Church of Richardson, served as VBS Head Mission Coordinator for five years, and started and led two United Methodist Women’s groups while also serving on the UMW board.

Through every role—wife, mother, grandmother, instructor, founder, volunteer—Tracy’s mission remains the same: to help as many people as she can, especially women whose lives have been unfairly derailed by abuse and trauma. Her prayer is that through Empty Hand Open Heart, women will find the tools, support, and spiritual encouragement they need to heal, stand tall again, and step into a future filled with hope.

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