Beginner and Intermediate Wheelchair Fencing

Saturdays 2-3 PM - $65 per month, fencing equipment provided
Other times by special arrangement 

The following was copied from the International Paralympic Committee Wheelchair Fencing page.  The web site may be accessed here: http://www.paralympic.org/Sport/IOSD_Sports/Wheelchair_Fencing/

"Wheelchair Fencing was developed by Sir Ludwig Guttmann at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital. It was introduced at the 1960 Paralympic Games in Rome and there are 24 countries practicing Wheelchair Fencing in 2006.  ....athletes compete in wheelchairs that are fastened to the floor. However, these chairs allow the fencers freedom of movement in the upper body only and the activity is as fast-paced as in Fencing competitions for able-bodied. ...."

Men and women with an amputation, spinal injury or cerebral palsy areeligible to compete in events including Foil, Epée (men and women) and Sabre (men). The official governing body is the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS).For more detailed information on Wheelchair Fencing, please visit the IWAS website at www.iwasf.com.

The Fencing Institute of Texas works with Southwest Wheelchair Athletic Association to promote wheelchair sports.

Southwest Wheelchair Athletic Association (SWAA) and Fencing Institute of Texas have Facebook pages for you to "friend."

We believe that wheelchair fencers and able bodied fencers should practice with each other.  Each group has a special set of techniques they develop that are useful to the other.  For example, able bodied fencers have the luxury of moving up and down the strip using distance to parry their opponent.  The wheelchair fencer is confined to the chair and frame.  The wheelchair fencer must learn to use their hand more precisely and in-fighting techniques that not all able bodied fencers practice.  When fencing together, both use the wheelchair and frame; both develop their hand-eye coordination to a greater level, and incorportate greater body movement in distance parries.!

  Interesting Links:

International Wheelchair Fencing Committee and Rules and Regulations
Allstar Wheelchair Equipment (not an endorsement - they have very good photos on the website)
International Wheelchair Fencing Association web site