Direct Elimination Podcast
Where champions take off the mask.
Hosted by elite fencers Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart, Direct Elimination brings you raw, honest conversations with top performers in sports, business and life. Each episode dives deep into what it really takes to pursue your passion with purpose.
No fluff. Just the moments, mindsets, and choices that shape a life in pursuit of something bigger.
Direct Elimination Podcast
Bryce Louie on NCAA Gold, World Silver & Social Media in Fencing | Direct Elimination Ep. 3
🎙️ EPISODE 3 – BRYCE LOUIE INTERVIEW
In this episode of Direct Elimination, Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart welcome their first foil guest — rising U.S. fencing star Bryce Louie.
Bryce has quickly become one of the most exciting figures in American fencing. A 2024 NCAA Champion, a World Cup silver medalist, and a 2025 World Championship team silver medalist, Bryce has already accomplished what many dream of before even finishing college. But beyond the medals, Bryce has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most authentic and entertaining personalities, bringing fencing to a new generation through his unapologetic presence on social media.
You’ll hear:
Bryce’s origin story — from growing up in LAFC, inspired by his brother Brennan (Philippine national team) to carving his own name in the sport.
Making history as the first Filipino American NCAA Champion in over 27 years at UPenn.
What it meant to win with his brother Brennan as his assistant coach.
His journey from being overlooked to becoming a World Championship medalist.
The viral social media moments that put him on the map — and the balance between authenticity and competition.
Lessons from setbacks: missing teams, doubters, and bouncing back stronger.
Why he believes fencing needs more fun, creativity, and energy — from celebrations to self-expression.
His philosophy of getting 1% better every day and inspiring the next generation to embrace their true selves.
This is fencing as you’ve never heard it — equal parts mindset, culture, and laughs. Bryce embodies the next wave of the sport: talented, unapologetic, and ready to inspire.
⏱ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & Episode setup
02:00 – Welcoming Bryce Louie
04:00 – Bryce’s fencing origin story
10:00 – Missing cadet team & the turning point
18:00 – Why he continues to choose fencing today
25:00 – NCAA gold & Filipino American representation
32:00 – Making the U.S. senior national team
40:00 – Training with legends & joining Team USA’s “god squad”
45:00 – Relationship with his brother Brennan as coach/mentor
50:00 – Social media, authenticity, and target on his back
1:00:00 – Rapid Fire: “One Light Answers”
1:05:00 – Closing lessons & gratitude
đź’¬ Key Quotes
“When I won NCAA’s, I felt like I was living my immigrant grandfather’s wildest dream.”
“You can either get through it, or you can get better.”
“Fencing needs more fun — just like the NBA or NFL, we need celebrations and creativity.”
“I want to inspire kids to be unapologetically themselves, on and off the strip.”
Thank you for listening!
đź”— Connect with Us
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