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.
From Viking Bouts to Medieval Ink—Join the Adventure!
Join the Ribe Bouts!Hello sword-and-shield enthusiasts, I am delighted to announce that the Ribe VikingeCenter will once again host the second Ribe Bouts from 17–19 October 2025. This unique event combines the practice of historical martial arts with a full-time living history experience. You can find more details and many images in my dedicated post—feel free to share the link with your fellow Vikings.
Hone Your Buckler Skills!Mark your calendars: the 24th Berlin Buckler Bouts will take place on the weekend of 22–23 November 2025. Expect sword-and-buckler fighters from around the world, plenty of exciting bouts, hands-on discussions, and opportunities to share knowledge and talk swords. You can prepare by enrolling in one of our extensive I.33 sword-and-buckler online courses, now available at a 15% discount.
Homemade Medieval InkI’ve written a new free post explaining how I produced the ink for decorating the reconstruction of the famous Bamberg Scabbard I recently crafted. This is the first instalment in a series documenting the making of this replica.
An Unusual Medieval SwordOn my Patreon, I’ve shared my life-size illustration of a remarkable medieval sword—light, agile, and full of surprises. It likely dates to the 13th century, though it features some unusual traits: most notably a pommel of uncommon shape and a blade with a very short fuller—something it would render it an Oakeshott type XVI, were it not for the absence of a midrib and the only modest taper of the edges. In hand, the sword feels extremely lively—quick to start and quick to stop. Its relatively thin blade and excellent mass distribution make it ideally suited for rapid changes of direction and for delivering devastating cuts. This would have been a formidable sidearm in its day. Patrons get access to an image gallery and can watch an exclusive video. Non-patrons can still enjoy a free 30-second preview. Stay sharp! 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. Improve your skills with our sword-and-buckler online courses. (Use the promo code SUMMERWEDDING for a 15% discount). If you feel like dropping a coin into my tip jar, you can do so here. Thank you for your interest and your support. 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.