Older Posts
Arguably one of the most elegant adapted sports ever created, wheelchair fencing remains untouched in the coolness and disability departments. It’s one of the oldest adapted sports out there, yet it still remains one of the most popular, and it’s hard to argue why.
There are paralleled inexpensive adaptations for this sport; some of the cheapest you’ll find out there among any other adapted sport. All you need is a weapon, protective gear and really good brakes, and you’re set. Read on for three videos showing the best of what wheelchair fencing has to offer.
Video #1: The Sport of Wheelchair Fencing, Explained
Before we go any further, we thought it would be a good idea to share with you a video giving an overview of the sport of wheelchair fencing; all the rules players must abide by, which is always important.
This video is an interview with one of the world’s best wheelchair fencers, Pierre Mainville, who discusses the rules of the sport. From sharing it was invented by Sir Ludwig Wuttman in 1960 to that it made its debut at the Paralympic games in Rome of that year, you learn about many important milestones.
You also get an overview of adaptations he (and others) have made, and an explanation of the three classification levels,
Check it out: Learn the rules and classifications
Video #2: Arizona’s Wheelchair Fencing Club
Arizona surprisingly is home to a burgeoning wheelchair fencing club with hundreds of members. It’s called the Grand Canyon Wheelchair Fencing Foundation and all are fiercely passionate about wheelchair fencing (and a propensity for being a pirate is not required).
The video interviews 5 of its members, with all of them loving the sport for various reasons from getting a great cardio workout to being perceived as totally awesome by peers once said peers their find out. Many members also talk about how the sport is just as fast if not faster, than the able-bodied version of the sport (due to the to player’s close proximity.
Watch: Members of the Grand Canyon Wheelchair Fencing Foundation share their love of yoga
Video #3: Sport A-Z: Wheelchair Fencing
While this video was made for the upcoming London Paralympic games in 2012, this video is still very much a great thing to watch for learning about the wheelchair fencing. It goes over the history, and it delves into the specifics of the sport, such as the three weapons you can use while playing, either the Foil, Epee or Sabre (only men can use a Sabre).
And when you play, there are various targets you must hit, and with the right weapon. Don’t worry – jabs that can actually hurt aren’t allowed. A tap in the correct target is all that’s needed for the player to get a point. A match consists of several 3 minute-long fencing sessions that last until 45 hits by a player is made.
Watch: Paralympic Games share the history of wheelchair fencing
If you have dreams of joining wheelchair fencing club in your area, check out the following link. The site shares the most current information on wheelchair fencing, and fingers-crossed, there is a wheelchair fencing club near you. If not, try to find someone locally with experience in the adapted version of the sport to help you learn.
Have you tried wheelchair fencing? Was it harder or easier than it looked?
Watch the videos!
– Classification levels and rules of wheelchair fencing explained by top player
– Arizona’s own Grand Canyon State Fencing Foundation profiles their newbie players
– Paralympic Games overview of the history of wheelchair fencing
ideas@spinalpedia.com
