What is British Fencing?
British Fencing (BF) describes itself as “The National Governing Body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing in the UK.”[3] Its about page calls it the “National Governing Body (NGB) for the Olympic and Paralympic Sport of Fencing”, covering the British Isles other than the Republic of Ireland.[4] It is a company limited by guarantee, no. 1917099, registered in England & Wales.[3] The FIE lists it for Great Britain as the “British Fencing Association”.[1]
What does British Fencing govern or do?
The organisation states: “At the highest level, British Fencing sets and maintains the framework for all formal fencing activity within the UK.”[4] It keeps the registers of members, clubs and coaches, runs coach education and provides insurance.[4]
It decides how fencers are selected to represent Great Britain in international competition, and runs the GBR Pathway Programme for athletes aiming at Olympic and Paralympic results. It states that “we work with the support of Sport England and UK Sport”.[4]
When was British Fencing founded and where is it based?
British Fencing is registered in England & Wales as company no. 1917099, a company limited by guarantee.[3] The FIE lists the British Fencing Association at 1 Baron’s Gate, 33/35 Rothschild Road, London W4 5HT.[1] Its site sets out its governance through a board, an executive team, committees and a constitution.[3]
How is British Fencing recognised?
International federation. The Fédération Internationale d’Escrime lists the British Fencing Association as its member for Great Britain.[1] The FIE states that it has “156 affiliated Member Federations”, and lists five continental confederations that it recognises.[2] British Fencing’s about page refers to “The FIE (International Fencing Federation)”.[4]
Continental body. The FIE’s directory places the British Fencing Association under the European Fencing Confederation, for which it gives 50 members.[1]
Funding bodies. It names Sport England and UK Sport as its supporters.[4]
What does British Fencing organise?
National championships. British Fencing lists the “delivery of National Championships” among its core activities.[4] Its site links the 2026–27 British Championships from its events section, which also lists other fencing events.[3]
National teams. It sets the selection of fencers to represent Great Britain internationally and runs the GBR Pathway Programme.[4]
Who are its members?
Its home countries page states: “BF has six affiliated home nation associations, which are as follows:” England Fencing, Scottish Fencing, Welsh Fencing, Northern Ireland Fencing, Guernsey Fencing and Jersey Fencing.[5] Individual members affiliate to a home nation of their choice, usually where they live, and “BF Membership fees are passed onto the Home Country Associations based on the affiliations of the individual members”[5] The page also notes a new agreement between BF and England Fencing “EFFECTIVE FROM 1st APRIL 2025”.[5] Its site offers clubs a club zone and the public a club finder.[3]
References
- FIE — European Fencing Confederation: confederation details and national federations (directory). Accessed 2026-10-10.
- FIE — About the FIE (member federations and continental confederations). Accessed 2026-10-10.
- British Fencing — home page (description, company registration, governance, events, clubs). Accessed 2026-10-10.
- British Fencing — About British Fencing. Accessed 2026-10-10.
- British Fencing — Home Countries. Accessed 2026-10-10.