Athletes compete in wheelchairs that are fixed to the floor, limiting the movement of the chair. The chairs are placed at a fixed distance, which is determined by the fencer with the shorter reach and adjusted before the start of the bout. Fencers have complete freedom of the upper body, allowing them to lean, duck, turn, and lunge in their chairs.

Athletes are divided into A, B and C classifications, depending on the strength and mobility. Class A athletes have the greatest range of mobility and strength in the hand and torso, while Class C athletes have the least.