I’m Roland Warzecha — professional illustrator and swordsman. The name Dimicator comes from the Latin for “sword fighter.” I share cutting-edge research into historical martial arts, focusing in particular on Viking and high medieval sword-and-shield combat. My work is carried out in collaboration with museums, fellow martial artists, and scholars around the world.
BBB XXIV, 22nd–23rd November 2025, Final Info
Final Event InfoDear fellow buckler fighters, This weekend, we will gather for the 24th Berlin Buckler Bouts — hurrah! We anticipate 35 dedicated fencers from the Czech Republic, the US, Poland, Denmark, and Germany. If you’d like, you can watch my video of the BBB XI, which nicely captures the atmosphere. The event logo is available for download. Additionally, you’ll find links to a great article on slow fencing and another video on the BBB here. These two texts are also highly recommended: “The Unorthodox Fighter” and “Smile and Attack!” For additional valuable resources, check out Cornelius Berthold's content on the Dimicator Schola YouTube channel. Participation and WaiversTo take part in any fencing activities at the BBB, you must sign a liability waiver. If you haven’t already done so, please download it, sign it, and email it to me, with Ralf cc’d. Thank you for helping us minimise paperwork on site. Note that no blank waivers will be available at the venue — it is your responsibility to get this sorted. No waiver, no fencing! We trust you’ll be able to handle it. At the BBB, sharp weapons may be used for demonstrations and hands-on discussions but are no longer permitted for sparring. For First-TimersIf this is your first time attending the BBB, you may want to read Michella’s review of her inaugural experience. Additionally, Federico Malagutti’s report on his first participation in 2013 is a great read. Ewan Ferguson also shares a review of his participation in the BBB 23 in May 2025. There’s really no need to feel nervous! To ease everyone in and shake off any initial tension, all free play before lunch on the first day will be done with masks and in slow motion. This video showcases the dedicated yet cheerful atmosphere we aim to create. Transport and LogisticsUnfortunately, we are unable to offer shuttle transfers to the training venue or airport pick-up. However, Berlin’s public transport system is well-organised and usually much faster and more efficient than navigating the city by car. Dining and RefreshmentsOn Saturday night, we’ll dine at our traditional venue, the Indian restaurant Hindi, which is within walking distance of the hall. Ralf has made reservations for us. 👉 Please let us know now if you would like to join the vegetarian oriental lunch buffet, which will be served on site for only €12 per person per day, payable to Ralf in cash. So far, only seven of you have made a reservation — but we need a minimum of ten participants to make it happen. At the BBB, we strive to reduce waste, so we kindly ask you to bring your own cutlery for the lunch buffet — and even a plate, if possible. This would greatly assist us and contribute to environmental protection. Thank you! Venue DetailsThe sports hall is located at Bouchéstraße 76, 12435 Berlin. It will open at 9 am, with the official welcome at 10 am, followed by the start of training. The hall will be available to us until 7 pm. On Sunday, training will conclude around 5 pm. Facilities, including showers, are available at the gym. Tap water is perfectly safe to drink, and Ralf’s club will provide ample drinking water for everyone. Please bring refillable water containers, as disposable cups and bottles will not be provided. We also encourage you to use these containers if you get yourself a coffee during breaks. Contact InformationMy mobile: +49-172 770 69 86 We are excited and eagerly look forward to seeing you all! 🛡️ Shields up! ⚔️ P.S. If ever you considered enrolling in a I.33 online course – now's the best time. Sign up here for the best offers of the year (plus a surprise gift). You are receiving this newsletter because you have signed up for the Berlin Buckler Bouts. If you prefer to not receive further emails, you can unsubscribe from the newsletter and all messages below. |
Dimicator
I’m Roland Warzecha — professional illustrator and swordsman. The name Dimicator comes from the Latin for “sword fighter.” I share cutting-edge research into historical martial arts, focusing in particular on Viking and high medieval sword-and-shield combat. My work is carried out in collaboration with museums, fellow martial artists, and scholars around the world.
Hello archaeology enthusiasts, fighters and fellow history aficionados, there is quite a lot happening behind the scenes at the moment — from ancient weapons and practical martial arts research to medieval emperors and historical films. So today, let me take you from a Late Bronze Age spearhead to an upcoming spear-and-shield course, two opportunities to train together, yesterday’s remarkable events in Magdeburg — and finally two film projects that I am very much looking forward to seeing....
Hello fellow history enthusiasts and blade aficionados, one of the great privileges of studying original weapons is that there are things an object can reveal in your hands which are remarkably difficult to recognise from photographs, measurements or typological descriptions alone. But researching an object is one thing; communicating what you have learned is another. Sometimes it takes a detailed drawing. Sometimes, video and photos would do the job — however, permission to share them with...
Hello fellow history enthusiasts and blade aficionados, The past fortnight has been wonderfully busy. From teaching at HEMA Camp 1387 in Lithuania and studying remarkable museum pieces to continuing several long-term research and reconstruction projects, there has been plenty to keep me occupied. I hope you'll enjoy the latest updates. A Week of Swords in Lithuania I have just returned from an unforgettable week in Lithuania, filled with fencing, research, museum visits, inspiring...