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Fencing

A combat sport in which competitors use swords to score points through attacks and defensive actions.

Fencing was introduced to Australia through the colonisation of Australia from 1788, with many fencing schools appearing in Australia by the 1800s.1 

Evolution:

  • Australian Fencing Federation [1949-]

Participation

Fencing sabers crossed

An estimated 10,000* Australians [aged 15+] participated in fencing at least once in 2025. 2

A fencer wearing a protective mask and holding a fencing sword in an en garde position.

An estimated 4,000* Australian children [aged 0-14] participated in fencing at least once in 2025. 2

A fencing mask

An estimated 5,000* Australian women [aged 15+] and an estimated 6,000* Australian men [aged 15+] participated in fencing at least once in 2025. 2

*estimate has a relative margin of error between 50% and 100% and should be used with caution

Explore further participation statistics for fencing through the AusPlay online portal., opens in a new tab

Governing body

Australian Fencing Federation, opens in a new tab is the organisation recognised by governments at all levels as the national controlling body for the sport of fencing in Australia.

History

The Australian Fencing Federation was established in 1949 as Australia's first national governing body for fencing. 3 

Documents

The Clearinghouse for Sport has sought permission from relevant organisations for the inclusion of their documents in this archive. Copyright ownership remains vested with the organisation and as such permission from the copyright owner should be sought if you wish to communicate, adapt or reproduce these documents.

REFERENCES
  1. Origins of fencing in Australia, opens in a new tab, The History of Fencing in Australia, (accessed 2 September 2026)
  2. AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 2 September 2026)
  3. About, opens in a new tab, Australian Fencing Federation, (accessed 2 September 2026)

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