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Fencing
Fencing
Basics
Wheelchair fencing is one of the original Paralympic sports from the 1954 Stoke Mandeville Games. The sport has been in the Paralympics since Rome 1960
Unlike able bodied fencing, wheelchair fencing is static. Fencing frames are used to help to stabilise the athlete’s wheelchair. These frames as shown above fix below the wheelchair allowing maximised reach and ability
Similar to able bodied fencing, wheelchair fencing has 3 competitions: sabre, epee and foil
Who can participate?
Athletes with different disabilities can compete in wheelchair fencing ranging from spinal injuries to amputees. Like many Paralympic sports wheelchair fencing uses a classification system in classes:
1A: Athletes with no sitting balance and an impaired playing arm. This class have no efficient elbow extension. Due to lack of function in the playing hand, the weapon is bandaged to the player’s hand. An example of an athlete of this classification would be a C5/C6 spinal injury.
1B: Athletes without sitting balance and an impaired playing arm. This class do have efficient elbow extension. Due to lack of function in the playing hand, the weapon is bandaged to the player’s hand. An example of an athlete of this classification would be a C7/C8 spinal injury or a higher incomplete spinal injury.
2: Athletes with fair sitting balance and normal playing arm function. An example of an athlete of this classification would be an incomplete tetraplegic.
3: Athletes with good sitting balance who are not able to use their legs and normal fencing arm to aid sitting balance. An example of an athlete of this classification would be a double above knee amputee.
4: Athletes with good sitting balance who are able to use their legs and normal fencing arm to aid sitting balance. An example of an athlete of this classification would be a lower lesion spinal injury.
Where in the world?
Similar to able bodied fencing, wheelchair fencing is popular throughout the world. Dominant countries in the sport are China, Hong Kong, France and Poland. The World Championship Series is held monthly from April – October in countries including Brazil, Poland and Canada.
What’s near me?
There are 33 clubs registered British Disabled Fencing Association (BDFA) clubs up and down the UK from Derbyshire to Scotland. Some of these clubs have BDFA registered coaches and many of the clubs integrate able bodied fencers with disabled fencers. You can find out more about clubs near you by visiting the BDFA website below and clicking on the Find a Club section.
Further information
British Disabled Fencing Association
