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.
Fechtschule 2025 Photos & Sword Talk Replay
The Guild in the GatehouseHello fellow HEMA practitioners, I’ve just uploaded a folder of photos I took at the recent Fechtschule 2025, hosted by the Hallebardiers in Bruges. The Hallebardiers undoubtedly have the coolest guild house imaginable. Their assembly hall and bar are located on the first floor of a medieval gatehouse—no joke! Emperor Charles V and Napoleon entered Bruges through this gate. And the rent they pay? A symbolic one Euro per year. They certainly make good use of the space—we shared many laughs and more than a few beers up there. The album also includes a few shots from a tour around Bruges’ historic city centre, guided by the inimitable Bert Gevaert, swordsman and scholar. As is often the case, the photographer remains mostly invisible! So if you'd like to see more of Cornelius and me in action, teaching sword and buckler, have a look at our online courses—currently available at a 25% discount as part of the Fechtschule 2025 special offer. The offer expires in four days, on Sunday night. The discount applies to both one-time payments and 10 monthly instalments, with no extra cost for choosing the latter. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions! YouTube Sword Talk – Replay Available NowIn case you missed my two-hour live chat with host Gabriele Damiano on Rapier’s Delight, you can now watch the replay. One viewer wrote: “I was really happy to get your email notification and join the live event yesterday. It was great and super engaging. The intersection of archaeology and practical usage needs to be evangelised more.” During our conversation, we explored sword ergonomics and how my findings influence the modern interpretation of historical swordsmanship. I shared many images from my archive, as well as previously unpublished video footage of handling Bronze Age swords. You will also learn why sword-and-buckler skills are useful for wielding them. If you’d like to watch the replay, you’ll find it here. So, that's it for today. Take care, and keep your blade well-honed. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please recommend it to your friends. They can sign up here or on my website. Or simply forward them this email. If you wish to read more, find hundreds of related posts on my Patreon. Special thanks to all my loyal supporters on Patreon – you keep me going! And if you are not a patron yet, you are most welcome to join. If you feel like dropping a coin into my tip jar, you can do so here. Thank you for your time and your interest. Yours in arms and scholarship, Roland You are receiving this newsletter because you have signed up for it, or because you have previously expressed your interest in my work and events. If you prefer to not receive further emails, you can unsubscribe 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.
Continuity in European Combat Arts? Hello fellow sword enthusiasts, researchers, and fighters, How did people actually fight in close combat 3,000 years ago—and how much of that knowledge survived into the age of the fechtbücher? Mycenaean imagery occassionally shows an overhand thrust known as oberstich in late medieval German combat treatises Recently, a viewer asked why I do not demonstrate the use of Bronze Age swords with what he called a “hammer grip” — essentially gripping the weapon...
Studying Originals, Recreating History Holding an original Bronze Age sword in your hands is always a moment of quiet astonishment. Hello archaeology aficionados, The ingenious design and ergonomics of these weapons never cease to amaze me. Thanks to the courtesy of Professor Harald Meller and Dr Jan-Heinrich Bunnefeld, I had the opportunity to examine several bronze swords at the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle, home of the world-famous Nebra Sky Disc. One of the grips that works really...
Hello fellow bucklerista, You are most welcome to sign up for an action-packed weekend of sword & buckler fencing with practitioners from all over the world. The next BBB are scheduled for the weekend of 30/31 May 2026. Find info on the event and registration here: Go to Event Post We are looking forward to fencing and celebrating international friendship with you at the Berlin Buckler Bouts. Ralf, Roland & the Twerchhau team Attendees of the 24th BBB. Get the group photo here.