Tracy Dickey - Empty Hand Open Heart

Empowerment through action: How one nonprofit is restoring lives. 

True growth often lies just past the things that frighten us most . On this episode of Growing Your Business, host Buddy Broyles sits down with Tracy Dickey, founder of Empty Hand Open Heart .

Drawing from over 23 years of martial arts experience and her own personal story of overcoming trauma, Tracy leads an official foundation dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and violence rebuild their confidence and sense of safety through specialized self-defense and karate .

Empty Hand Open Heart partners directly with local police departments, crisis centers, and foster youth programs to offer these transformative services free of charge . Discover how Tracy is creating a global model for survivor empowerment and how female martial artists and supporters everywhere can join the movement .

 

GUEST CONTACT and SOCIALS

linkedin.com/in/tracy-dickey-942996324

https://emptyhandopenheart.org/

 

 

Key Takeaways

• Rebuilding Confidence After Trauma: Empty Hand Open Heart provides self-defense and karate training to survivors of human trafficking and abuse, helping them overcome fears of physical touch and step back into the world with confidence .

• A Foundation Supporting Foundations: Operating entirely free of charge to participants and partner shelters, the foundation collaborates with local organizations like Treasure Vessels, New Beginnings, Jim Riley Outreach, and local police departments to reach those in need .

• Gradual, Safe Exposure: Training is carefully tailored so survivors feel protected—incorporating protective gear, keychain safety alarms, and a gentle progression so participants never feel overwhelmed or re-traumatized .

• A Unique Global Model: Empty Hand Open Heart is currently one of the only organizations of its kind operating this specific model, and Tracy is actively seeking female martial artists and schools worldwide to expand the movement .

• Support and Operational Needs: To continue offering free uniforms, protective gear, and training spaces, the foundation relies on volunteers, community awareness, and financial donations .

• Leading by Example: Training over 20 hours a week at age 65, Tracy demonstrates firsthand that overcoming fear and committing to personal physical strength is a lifelong journey .

 

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Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios:

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#EmptyHandOpenHeart

#GrowingYourBusiness

#TracyDickey

#EmpowermentThroughAction

#SelfDefense

#NonprofitImpact

#SurvivorSupport

#MartialArtsForGood

#OvercomeFear

# CommunitySafety

Tracy Dickey, Empty Hand Open Heart, Buddy Broyles, Growing Your Business, Self Defense for Survivors, Human Trafficking Recovery, Female Martial Artists, Trauma Informed Karate, Community Empowerment, Nonprofit Foundation