Igniting Strength

with Love and Kindness

Stylized red heart outline with a curved line forming a question mark shape

Empty Hand Open Heart was created out of a desire to empower women who have experienced domestic abuse and/or sex trafficking. 

Helping these women evolve from being a victim to seeing themselves as strong and whole through love, prayer, and self-defense training
is our goal. 

Our Programs >

Women smiling holding wood boards

About the Founder

Tracy
Dickey

During her own recovery journey, Tracy became active in training in traditional Isshinryu karate. Twenty-one years of training has earned her a 5th degree black belt and the title of Renshi which means Polished Instructor, above even the esteemed title of Sensei. 

About Tracy >

Our partners

  • Logo for Hope's Door New Beginning Center with a colorful tree and the slogan 'Building Lives Without Violence'.
  • Logo for Families to Freedom, a transportation service for survivors of abuse, featuring two dandelion seeds blowing in the wind.
  • Logo for Emily's Place featuring a geometric cross made of purple and green diamonds and the text 'emily's PLACE' with 'emily's' in purple and 'PLACE' in green.
  • A stylized logo with the letters T, V, and F in gray, connected by horizontal lines.
  • Logo with the text 'Local Good Center' and a graphic of a location pin with a building inside.
  • First United Insurance company logo with address in Plano, Texas, and slogan 'Spend Life Wisely'.
  • Logo of the Plano Chamber of Commerce featuring abstract blue bars and bold blue text.
  • Logo featuring a butterfly with purple and blue wings, along with the text "New Friends New Life" in blue font.
  • Group of women participating in a self-defense or martial arts class in a gym, posing together and smiling, with some holding training tools. The background features an American flag, a Texas flag, boxing gear, and fitness equipment.

  • Survivor

    “Tracy impacted me to learn to stand up for myself, the correct way. How to properly hold myself and not fear the unknown.”

  • A woman with long blonde hair outdoors in a grassy field during sunset, wearing a yellow top and a black skirt with white flowers.

  • Survivor

    “Learning Karate while I was in the safe house program has given me a sense of strength and empowerment that carries through to my day to day life. At first, physical contact scared me, but Tracy’s gentle approach helped me to overcome those fears.”

  • Survivor

    “Tracy has shown so much patience and love throughout her classes at TVF. She reminds me every class that I have what it takes to defend myself and to trust my own instincts.”

  • A woman with curly hair holding hands with someone behind the camera, walking away on a grassy field with trees in the background, taken in black and white.

Partner Stories

  • Portrait of a woman with wavy blonde hair, wearing a black blazer, gray top, gold earrings, and a necklace, standing indoors with a blurred background.

    Nicole Antovoni

    Wellness Director, Local Good Center

    “So grateful for our volunteers like Tracy who serve the community with us, using their gifts, talents and abilities. Impacting lives for good and making our community stronger together!”

  • Black and white portrait of a woman with long wavy hair smiling and looking to her left, wearing a dark top with a white collar.

    Alicia Bush

    Founder, Treasured Vessels Foundation

    “Empowering our community through Karate, Tracy dedicates herself to teaching TVF residents self-discipline, confidence, and strength.”