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MANCHESTER BLADES WELCOMES SWORDSEAT™

Manchester Blades has shared positive feedback about their SwordSeat™.

Last updated 21st August 2026. Please note, this post has been edited since initial publication.

The SwordSeat is designed to provide clubs with a safe, stable, and accessible platform for seated fencing. Its flat-pack design also makes it easier for clubs to transport, assemble, and store than traditional wheelchair fencing equipment.

Coaches involved in the Manchester sessions have been using the SwordSeat with their fencers to explore how seated fencing can be incorporated alongside ambulatory activities.

A Manchester Blades coach stands with the SwordSeat still in it's packaging in the sports hall before a session

Rachel, one of the parents involved in the sessions, said that although the equipment initially appeared complicated, assembling it quickly became straightforward:

“When I first saw the pieces, I thought it looked really complicated. But actually, once you’ve put it together once, it’s easy to do again.”

Coach Alex Pearson said the SwordSeat helped the club provide a safer environment, while allowing coaches to focus their attention across the wider session:

“Getting a chance to use the SwordSeat in the club environment was fantastic. I’ve always tried to encourage our ambulatory fencers to do seated fencing as well. Being able to have such a solid, safe platform really helps. It means I can focus on giving lessons to ambulatory fencers and know that the fencers using the SwordSeat are going to be safe.

“When we were using alternative methods for seated fencing, I always had to be there to make sure everything was safe. The SwordSeat takes that pressure and worry away. It makes it safer and more effective. I absolutely love having it, and I can’t wait to use it more.”

Coach Alex from Mancester Blades smiling at the camers in a yellow jacket with his weapon bag over one shoulder.

The feedback demonstrates how the SwordSeat can help clubs introduce seated fencing confidently, while creating opportunities for disabled fencers, people returning to activity following injury, and ambulatory fencers to participate together.

Get a SwordSeat for your club:

Clubs interested in introducing seated fencing can purchase a ready-made SwordSeat, order printed patterns, or download the free design file to build it themselves in accordance with the BF specification.

Visit the SwordSeat™ webpage on the BF website to:

This post is related to the BF 2030 Strategy goal 1 to Grow Participation. Read more about the full BF 2030 Strategy and goals here.