Unplanned Episodes 2: We Finally Faced Each Other in Direct Elimination | Cincinnati NAC Recap & Youth Sports Parenting

Stephen and Ari finally faced each other in direct elimination at NAC Cincinnati. We break down the match, mental prep challenges, and youth sports parenting.The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.In this episode, you'll discover:• The moment Stephen and Ari finally fenced each other in competition and how they approached the mental game of facing a close friend• Why focus and mental preparation can make or break your tournament performance, even against familiar opponents• The intense parenting dynamics in youth fencing and how to add value as a parent without adding pressure• How the US men's epee domestic circuit is becoming more competitive with fewer upsets and what it means for the fencing communityStephen Ewart and Ari Simmons are teammates, podcast co-hosts, and competitive fencers who bring authentic insights from inside the US men's epee circuit. They finally matched up at the February 2026 NAC, but did it deliver what the direct elimination fans have been anticipating?What's your take on parental involvement in youth sports? Have you witnessed situations that crossed the line, or do you have examples of parents who got it right? Drop your thoughts in the comments.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00:00 Introduction & NAC Overview00:02:53 The Stephen vs. Ari Direct Elimination Matchup00:05:37 Fencing Teammate Mindset00:08:04 Focus and Preparation Challenges00:12:36 Podcast Community Engagement00:26:18 The Coffee Shop Parenting Story00:34:05 Pressure, Investment & Family Dynamics00:38:58 Process vs. Results in Parenting00:44:56 Tournament Results Across Weapons00:50:00 Clinics & Community Outreach00:52:56 Closing & Theme Song💬 BEST QUOTES"honestly, the feeling of not rising to the occasion. I felt that you were you were more assertive. And I was constantly on the reactive side of things.""I truly believe from the bottom of my heart that anybody can be good at this.""What value my adding to the situation, and is there a better way for me to communicate what I'm trying to communicate?"MYO - click hereModern physical therapy to futureproof your body. Through 1:1 expert care, they use full-body awareness and proactive insights to intercept injury, reduce pain, and improve your every day. Use promo code "DIRECTMYO100" for $100 off your first session.Theme song written and performed by Colin Campbell🔗 Connect with Colin📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campbelltunes/?hl=enThank you for listening!🔗 Check out FencR🌐: https://www.fencr.app/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fencr.app🔗 Connect with Us🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://link.me/directelimination📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directelimination/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@directeliminationpodcast📺 Subscribe for more episodes: youtube.com/@DirectElimination🔗 Prieur USA🌐: https://www.prieurusa.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prieur_usa/