Why We Fence: Ari Simmons & Stephen Ewart on Purpose & Failure | Direct Elimination Ep. 1

Welcome to the very first episode of the Direct Elimination Podcast — where two lifelong fencers and friends, Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart, sit down to talk about the stories, setbacks, and motivations that define not just athletes, but anyone chasing purpose.

🎙️ In this debut, Ari and Stephen get vulnerable and real:

Their fencing origin stories — from Lancaster, California parks & rec programs to Houston’s Alliance Fencing Academy.

The first time they actually met (spoiler: it involved Adidas Barricade 7s and a close 5–3 match).

Dealing with failure, frustration, and self-doubt — and why failure often plants the seeds for growth.

The concept of going “all-in” — and why sometimes it’s not one single moment, but a series of recommitments.

Their shared experiences at Notre Dame, gap years, and the painful reality of chasing but missing Olympic qualification.

Lessons on mindset: “You can either get through it, or you can get better.”

Why fencing isn’t just a sport, but a lifelong purpose and identity.

Favorite memories, equipment (shoutout to their sponsor Prieur USA), and inside stories from the fencing community.

This isn’t just a fencing podcast. It’s about resilience, purpose, and community — lessons that apply whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or anyone who’s ever asked: “Why do I do what I do?”

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Direct Elimination
02:00 – Introducing Ari & Stephen
05:00 – Why we started this podcast
07:00 – Stephen’s fencing origin story
17:00 – Ari’s fencing origin story
25:00 – The first time they met on strip
33:00 – College decisions & Notre Dame days
43:00 – Gap years, failure, and missing the Olympics
54:00 – Why we keep going: purpose, sacrifice, and love for fencing
1:00:00 – Lightning round Q&A
1:03:00 – Closing lessons and quotes

💬 Key Quotes

“You can either get through it, or you can get better.” 
“Don’t let one touch ruin a bout, one bout ruin a tournament, one tournament ruin a season, or one season ruin a career.” 
“Fencing isn’t torture — it’s purpose. It’s what keeps me alive.” 
“At the end of the day, when your mask is on, your fate is in your hands.”

Thank you for listening!

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