Athletes compete in wheelchairs that are fastened to the floor. This
gives the fencers real freedom of movement in their upper bodies, while
keeping them fixed in their chairs. The length of the playing area is
determined by the athlete with the shorter arm reach, who decides if
the distance between competitors will be set at the length of their
opponent's reach or their own.



Three types of weapon are used in Paralympic Fencing. In bouts using
the Foil and the slightly heavier Epée, hits are scored by hitting an
opponent with the tip of the weapon. However, in Sabre, hits may also
be scored with the edge of the weapon. The target area for the Foil is
limited to the opponent's torso, while competitors in the Sabre and
Epée events may be struck anywhere above the waist.