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Own or build the SwordSeat yourself!

It’s important for competitive practice that the SwordSeat™ chairs are aligned correctly to meet the rules of the sport. The design includes a long and a short alignment board. Unfortunately, the length of the board is not adjustable, but it will give you the correct angles, which is the most important bit and hardest to gauge by eye.

Close up of the alignment board of the Sword Seat, set up in right to right configuration.

For a right handed vs right handed person (or left vs left) make sure the chairs are on opposing diagonal edges (as shown above). For left vs right, one of the chairs should be spun around and then aligned to the same side of the board.

Right vs Right Handed (or Left vs Left)

live image of sword seat aligned right vs right configuration
A right vs right handed fencer, as shown here (or for a left vs left). The seats are parallel to each other and feel like they’re driving past each other.
3D computer image of sword seat aligned right vs right configuration
Right vs Right-handed configuration

Right vs Left Handed

live image of sword seat aligned left vs right configuration
For a left vs right handed fencer, The left handed chair needs to have it’s handle flipped to the other side and then the whole thing spun around and aligned such that the chairs feel like they’re driving on a collision course towards each other.
3D over head computer model of the Sword Seat aligned for fencing with one left-handed configuration and one in right-handed configuration.
Right vs Left-handed configuration

Disclaimer – “The SwordSeat™ is a chair for community use as part of the development of a seated fencer.   The chair is designed and intended for use only as specified below.  

  1. Use must be restricted to club or recreational fencing
  2. The chair must be manufactured and assembled to the BF SwordSeat specification without any deviation.
  3. Use of the chair must be risk assessed individually for each participant by a coach who is BF registered and has a valid BF SwordSeat™ certification and who is satisfied that the chair is safe for the participant to use and who supervises use of the chair.
  4. Participants have declared to the supervising coach all relevant injuries and disabilities prior to use.

The chair is safe to use only if the above requirements are met.

Manufacturing of SwordSeat™ – Manufacturing of the chair must be undertaken by professionals in strict accordance with the published design.

Assembly- Please ensure that you follow all safety precautions and use appropriate tools during assembly. If you are unsure of your ability to assemble this furniture safely, we recommend professional assistance.

The chair may be used only if the above requirements are met.

By assembling this furniture, you agree that you are solely responsible for its assembly and use. British Fencing provide assembly instructions as a guide, and do not accept any liability for errors in assembly or any resulting injury or damage.  BF excludes (so far as is it is able) any liability (including liability for negligence) arising from the manufacture or use of the chair (including where the chair is not manufactured or used as required above).”

Last updated 1 Nov 2025