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.
Events 2026, Bronze Swords, Sword & Buckler
Mark Your CalendarHello fellow fighters, sword enthusiasts and living history experts, I’ve just returned from a wonderful sword-and-shield weekend in Berlin, training at the 24th Berlin Buckler Bouts with around forty dedicated practitioners from all over the world. As one of the organisers, I’d like to express my gratitude for a cheerful and safe training environment. It was a physically demanding two days — yet I enjoyed each of my 500+ passes. Thank you all! The 25th edition of the BBB will take place on the last weekend in May 2026, that is 30th–31st May. Mark your calendars! Drawing SwordsAs in previous years, I visited the storages of the Deutsches Historisches Museum prior to the BBB. With the kind support of the staff — and assisted by fellow swordsman Dr Marc Heimann — I documented a rare 14th-century dagger and completed detailed drawings of a beautifully preserved early 16th-century longsword. Once I’ve added colour to the drawings, I’ll share the illustrations on my Patreon. Thanks to the support of my patrons, this research can continue.
Commonalities of Historical Buckler TraditionsAt the BBB, I spoke with Tobias Prüwer, sword-and-buckler instructor at Stahlakademie Leipzig, about the striking overlaps between certain buckler plays of the 15th-century master Andres Lignitzer and the concept of schutzen (cover) in the 14th-century manuscript I.33. These insights have certainly enriched and refined my fencing. Tobias was intrigued, and I mentioned that until 1st December, our online course on schutzen is available at a unique 41% discount. So don’t wait!
Set Sail for Hedeby and RibeSave the dates! These two wonderful Viking venues will open their gates to us again in 2026.
Unlike the Berlin Buckler Bouts, these events combine martial arts practice with period arms and full living-history immersion. I look forward to training with you there! Bronze Age Sword-FightingI’m currently preparing for two video productions initiated by Professor Harald Meller of the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle. Together, we’ll explore the ergonomics of full-hilted Bronze Age swords and examine sword-and-shield combat techniques of the period. Archaeologist and fellow swordsman Ingo Petri has kindly provided his replica sword, while additional Bronze Age replica shields and weapons will be supplied by expert reenactor Jonas Radtke, who will also assist in demonstrations. I’m greatly looking forward to contributing to the museum’s award-winning video library and YouTube channel. I.33 GaloreIf you haven’t signed up for the I.33 Black Friday list, you’ve missed my I.33 cartoon characters and the best online course offers yet — shared below along with a wonderful testimonial from Chile. “Thanks to your teachings, I was soon able to hold my ground and effortlessly resist most of those brutish attacks and advances — even attacking and hitting during the tempos created by them.”
Stefan von Bischoffshausen
This fellow martial artist overcame the same challenges we all face — now it’s your turn. 👉 Join us before 1st December!
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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.
A Shield Mystery The remains of the Trelleborg Viking shield on display in Trelleborg Viking Fortress Hello fellow shield enthusiasts and (pre-)history aficionados, First of all, my very best wishes for the New Year. May the edge of your sword never dull, and may your shield protect you as you step into realms unknown in 2026. Iron Age bog finds from Thorsberg and Nydam will be on display in Kalkriese this year Recent discussions with archaeologist Ingo Petri raise intriguing questions about...
Geometry of the Nebra Twin Swords, 1600 BC Harald Meller and myself discussing sword grip designs through the centuries Hello fellow sword and (pre-)history enthusiasts, You may already have read about my recent trip to the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle. Together with Professor Harald Meller, I filmed several segments on historical and prehistoric arms and combat. Demonstrating a late medieval buckler play by Andres Lignitzer with Jonas Radtke Harald Meller and I did not part without...
Exploring Prehistoric Fighting Arts Bronze Age weapons from the inventory of the Museum of Prehistory in Halle Hello fellow fighters and (pre-)history aficionados, This newsletter is all about Bronze Age weaponry — their design, handling, and function. As this email goes out, I am on my journey home from two days of filming at the Museum of Prehistory in Halle, home to the world-famous Nebra sky disc. Professor Harald Meller in front of the Museum in Halle At the invitation of Professor...