Today we’d like to introduce you to TRACIE Arlington.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my martial arts journey alongside my oldest son when he was just four years old. We actually tested for our black belts one year apart! Along the way, I started noticing something—so many children and women wanted to learn self-defense, but they didn’t necessarily want to commit to a traditional martial arts program. My younger son was one of them.
I also realized that martial arts is a system—it can take 6 to 12 years to earn a black belt. But self-defense? It needs to be simple, effective, and something you can use right away.
So, in 2003, I started Play It Safe Defense to teach women and children—no martial arts experience needed—in a single-session format. Many students come back for a refresher each year, and our classes are tailored to different age groups. Since then, we’ve had the privilege of teaching hundreds of thousands of women and children, including over 200,000 Girl Scouts.
One thing I’ve learned from teaching kids is that they not only want to protect themselves physically, but they also want to know how to handle bullies and unkind friends. We call that Verbal Karate.
And our mascot? A feisty little Chihuahua—because kids instantly get the saying: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Fun fact: that tiny but mighty mascot is what landed us on the Dr. Phil show!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a fairly smooth road as we have grown by “word of mouth.” There aren’t any programs like ours and we are a mobile business, so that’s what keeps us busy. The challenge is always finding fun instructors to come along side of me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Play It Safe Defense Inc.?
Overview
Every parent fears that their child will be bullied, abducted….or
worse. Play It Safe Defense provides self-defense training for
women, children and men that are not interested in a Martial Arts
program. We use a fun and age-appropriate one-session class to
build confidence and increase awareness skills that help prevent
potential danger. We teach children to self-protect by using the Chihuahua as
an example of “Tiny but Mighty!” This branding has given us a lot of
media exposure.
Our products/programs include: classes for Women & Children, Licensing
program, certification of Physical Education teachers, school assemblies, corporate events.
Milestones/Major Achievements:
Appeared on the Dr. Phil Show, The DOCTORS TV
Major clients include Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, schools grades K
12 and Colleges.
Our company was chosen to certify Physical Education teachers in California. We are looking for Licensees outside of San Diego County.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I really found my talents and my passion in High School. I went to Kearny High School in San Diego and loved acting, sports, my friends and driving my VW Bug. When I was 17 years old, I was Fairest of the Fair (Del Mar Fair)
Pricing:
- Scout classes $25.00 per Scout
- Children’s classes $35.00
- Women/teen $35.00
- Advanced women/teen class $75.00
- School assemblies: $475.00 for two
Contact Info:
- Website: https://playitsafedefense.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playitsafedefense/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlayItSafeDefense/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracie-arlington-21a4761a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlayItSafeDefense
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@play.it.safe.defense
