Battle Ready

Ciara Morrison
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SPORT
  • MONTHLY

Welcome to Battle Ready, the show where we dive deep into the intersection of strength, resilience, and growth. I’m your host, Ciara Morrison, and here, we explore powerful journeys and lessons from a range of fields—from the discipline of martial arts and the philosophy behind karate to insights from human resources, psychology, and personal stories of cancer recovery. Each episode, we’ll unpack what it means to build resilience—whether that’s in the dojo, the workplace, or the mind. You’ll hear from inspiring guests, experts, and fighters of all kinds, as we discuss how different forms of training and recovery can transform the way we live, work, and heal. Join me as we journey through stories of resilience, tools for personal and professional growth, and strategies to keep moving forward, no matter the challenge. This is Battle Ready, where strength meets science, discipline meets resilience, and every challenge is a new chance to grow.

  1. Training smart

    10/11/2025

    Training smart

    Training smart in karate means turning your inner martial artist into a bit of a mad scientist—with bruises. It’s not just about throwing punches until your arms fall off; it’s about experimenting, observing, and adjusting. Think of your training diary as your lab notebook of destruction. You’re not just writing “did 100 kicks” — you’re noting what worked, what didn’t, and why your leg now feels like overcooked spaghetti. Recording these details helps you spot patterns, track improvement, and maybe even discover why you keep forgetting that one kata move (hint: it’s always the same one). Instructors should absolutely push this habit, because a karateka with a notebook isn’t just sweating—they’re studying. Plus, when you look back a year later and see that your “tired and confused” entry turned into “landed that ushiro geri,” it feels like unlocking your own martial arts origin story—complete with data.

    21 min
  2. Exits...how we can maybe do them a wee bit better

    24/08/2025

    Exits...how we can maybe do them a wee bit better

    In this episode, we tackle one of the hardest realities of leadership: firing someone. From preparing for the conversation to handling the emotional impact on both sides, we explore what it really takes to let someone go with fairness, dignity, and clarity. You’ll hear practical strategies for managing the process, reflections on common mistakes, and insights into how leaders can grow through these moments. Firing isn’t just about ending employment — it’s about shaping culture, trust, and how organisations move forward.

    18 min
  3. Bald Truths

    03/08/2025

    Bald Truths

    In this episode, we delve into the intimate connection between identity, hair, and the experience of loss and recovery during cancer treatment. Hair is more than appearance—it’s culture, self-expression, memory, and control. So when cancer treatment takes it away, the impact runs deeper than many expect. I share my personal stories of grief, strength, and transformation, and reflect on how people begin to reclaim themselves—not just when the hair grows back, but when they realise they were never truly defined by it. This is an honest, compassionate conversation about who we are when everything visible changes—and how identity can endure, even in the face of profound loss.

    19 min
  4. Mind Over Martial: The Psychology of the Dojo

    09/07/2025

    Mind Over Martial: The Psychology of the Dojo

    In this episode we explore how the journey through martial arts and the dojo mirrors the ascent up Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. From the basic drive for safety and structure found in the rules and rituals of the dojo, to the deep sense of belonging within a martial arts community, and ultimately toward self-actualisation through discipline, mastery, and inner peace, the dojo becomes more than a place to train the body. It’s a space where psychological growth unfolds. Join us as we break down how each level of Maslow’s pyramid is reflected in the martial artist’s path, and how the dojo can shape not just fighters, but fulfilled human beings.

    18 min
  5. Back in the Fight: Cancer Recovery & Fitness Revival

    25/05/2025

    Back in the Fight: Cancer Recovery & Fitness Revival

    In this episode, I open up about my journey through ovarian cancer—from diagnosis and treatment to the long road of recovery—and what it means to return to the things that make me feel alive: karate and the gym. As a martial artist and fitness lover, losing strength, routine, and energy was devastating. But this is a story of resilience, of finding my footing again, and of redefining what strength means after cancer. Whether you’re a fighter, a survivor, or somewhere in between, this episode is for you.

    26 min
  6. Quiet wisdom or loud mistakes...when is it OK to give corrections at gasshukus?

    13/05/2025

    Quiet wisdom or loud mistakes...when is it OK to give corrections at gasshukus?

    In this episode, we dive into the subtle art of offering corrections in the dojo. When is it helpful to point out a mistake, and when is it better to hold back? Whether you’re a beginner, a senior student, or an instructor, we explore the cultural norms, traditional etiquette, and situational awareness needed to navigate corrections with respect and clarity. Real-world examples and a bit of name dropping :)

    14 min
  7. London EGKA Gasshuku 2025, in review :)

    24/03/2025

    London EGKA Gasshuku 2025, in review :)

    It's the Monday after an epic gasshuku in London with the EGKA, here is my review!

    22 min
  8. From Beaches to Battle Drills: 'It's just a stick, definitely not used for weapons training'.

    10/03/2025

    From Beaches to Battle Drills: 'It's just a stick, definitely not used for weapons training'.

    Join me as I dive into the unexpected—soaking up Okinawa by day and tackling karate and weapons training by night. Hilarious mishaps, snakes avoided and precious memories gained!

    25 min
See All (13)

About

Welcome to Battle Ready, the show where we dive deep into the intersection of strength, resilience, and growth. I’m your host, Ciara Morrison, and here, we explore powerful journeys and lessons from a range of fields—from the discipline of martial arts and the philosophy behind karate to insights from human resources, psychology, and personal stories of cancer recovery. Each episode, we’ll unpack what it means to build resilience—whether that’s in the dojo, the workplace, or the mind. You’ll hear from inspiring guests, experts, and fighters of all kinds, as we discuss how different forms of training and recovery can transform the way we live, work, and heal. Join me as we journey through stories of resilience, tools for personal and professional growth, and strategies to keep moving forward, no matter the challenge. This is Battle Ready, where strength meets science, discipline meets resilience, and every challenge is a new chance to grow.

Information

  • Creator
    Ciara Morrison
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    13
  • Copyright
    © Ciara McGrath