top of page

PARAFENCING

Wheelchair fencing (referred to as Parafencing) is a fast moving game of tactics and techniques, and is one of the sports in the Summer Paralympic Games. Parafencing fencing is governed by the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation that is a federation of the International Paralympic Committee.

​

parafencing classes and clinics

Spring 2024: May 19th, June 2nd, and June 9th
1PM; Ages 12+

Our Parafencing program is designed for new and continuing fencers. Classes will be focused on the tactics and skills required for parafencing. Athletes will learn rules of right of way, technical rules of the game, and the skills required for bouting. Classes will focus on foil tactics and techniques. Athletes may choose to attend some or all of the clinic sessions.

Each clinic session $20 or $50 for full season (3 sessions)

Private lessons are available upon request

Class
History

History of
PARAFENCING

Wheelchair fencing was first introduced in 1953 by Sir Ludwig Guttmann -- who is also the founder of the Paralympic Movement. In 1960, wheelchair fencing debuted at the first-ever Paralympic Games in Rome, Italy. Though at the time, only three medal events were contested (men’s sabre, men’s sabre team and women’s foil) and only Italian athletes competed. Today, male and female athletes compete in all three weapons (foil, epee, and sabre) and the sports is officially known as parafencing. 

Classifications

  • class A (athletes with full trunk movement and good balance)

  • class B (athletes with no leg movement and impaired trunk and balance functions)

  • class C (athletes with a disability in all four limbs, not included in the Paralympic games program)

About PARAFENCING

Athletes compete in wheelchairs that are fixed to the floor, limiting the movement of the chair. The chairs are placed at a fixed distance, which is determined by the fencer with the shorter reach and adjusted before the start of the bout. Fencers have complete freedom of the upper body, allowing them to lean, duck, turn, and lunge in their chairs.

​

Athletes are divided into A, B and C classifications, depending on the strength and mobility. Class A athletes have the greatest range of mobility and strength in the hand and torso, while Class C athletes have the least.

​

About

Learn More

These pages provide additional information about wheelchair fencing in America and internationally.

Parafencing is part of Boston Fencing Club's efforts to grow the sport of fencing and enable people to have access to a fantastic sport they might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience. Any donations given to our cause would be greatly appreciated. Help spread the sport of fencing today!

bottom of page