Fast and furious fencing
Parafencing is a dynamic and exciting adaptive form of the sport, using a frame attached to the piste for wheelchair stability and to provide a fixed distance between fencers.
Internationally, competitions are held in all three weapons - epee, foil, and sabre - with athletes competing in three classifications based upon their degree of disability.
Any club can offer parafencing with few modifications. For training purposes and general bouting, able-bodied fencers can act as sparring partners by fencing from a wheelchair.
Coaching
The fundamentals of fencing can be taught to athletes with a disability without any special equipment.
For more advanced lessons, learn how to adapt coaching methods for instructing athletes in wheelchairs with this series of online videos.
Wheelchair frame
The AFF has some wheelchair fencing training frames based on a design produced by the International Wheelchair & Amputee Sports Federation. These frames are ideal for clubs interested in providing wheelchair fencing training. Contact the AFF for more information.
For clubs interested in building their own frame, view the specifications and instructions provided by IWAS at the link below.
International competition
International wheelchair fencing is a Paralympic Games sport. It is governed by the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS), a member of the International Paralympic Committee.