The Weapons

Foil: a light, thrusting weapon, originally used for training soldiers to fight in battle. The target is limited to the trunk of the body, including the back but not the arms or head.

Epee: a heavier, thrusting weapon, originally used for duelling. Hits can be scored anywhere on the body. One-hit epee is one of the five disciplines of Modern Pentathlon.

Sabre: a cutting and thrusting weapon, originally used by cavalry soldiers. The target area is limited to everything above the hips, except for the hands and the back of the head

About Para Fencing

Originally devised at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in the UK, the sport then known as competitive wheelchair fencing was first introduced in 1953 and has been a Paralympic sport since Rome in 1960. Popular in Europe since its inception, the sport is now practised in 73 countries worldwide.

Para fencing is static: the fencers are clamped to the piste using a metal frame. Beyond this, the sport is largely similar to its standing counterpart.

Eligibility

In order to compete in fencing at the Paralympic Games, athletes must compete while sitting in a wheelchair. If you have an impairment to your lower limbs, or an impairment to balance, and are unable to fence on an equal footing with standing athletes, you may be eligible to compete in para fencing.

Classification

Classification is reviewed on regular basis. There are three classes:

  • Class A incorporates those athletes with good balance and recovery and full trunk movement
  • Class B those with poor balance and recovery but full use of one or both upper limbs
  • Class C athletes with a physical impairment in all four limbs
  • Class D athletes with a visual impairment

Rules

The International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) uses the rules of the Federation Internationale D’escrime (FIE) for para fencing. IWAS additions to the FIE rule book include regulations regarding the use and position of the wheelchair and the fencer’s clothing and equipment. Generally speaking, areas below the waist and the wheelchair are not valid target areas.

 

JOIN TODAY

Free Intro Membership

Activate your free, 90 day membership to British Fencing today. Membership insures you to fence at any British Fencing club.

CORE COACH

Core Coach Offer

Does your organisation want to bring fencing to your community? Explore our core coach course, no experience required.

LEARN MORE

Calling All Teachers

Start your journey to becoming a community fencing coach. Introduce fencing to pupils for as little as £25. Find out more today.

Join the conversation. Share your stories using #BritishFencing on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

Our Partners

  • Our Partners