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.
Swords Galore: On the Field, in the Salle, Online and in Art
Fechtschule 2025Dear fellow sword enthusiasts, HEMA practitioners, and living history aficionados, I'm all packed and ready to travel to Bruges with my friends and fellow instructors/researchers Dierk Hagedorn and Cornelius Berthold. We’re very much looking forward to spending a few formidable days at Fechtschule 2025, organised by Sint-Michielsgilde de Hallebardiers. To mark the occasion, Cornelius and I have prepared a special offer: Here are the direct links with the discount already applied:
Let us polish our shields and brandish our swords! Scabbard Making-Of ContinuesI'm sure you've spotted my new sword by Atelier Thibaud, as well as its matching scabbard. I’ll share more about the sword once it’s passed its first testing at Fechtschule 2025. In the meantime, don’t miss the latest update on the scabbard-making project—you'll find explanations and images in my dedicated posts:
... to be continued: next, I will make a belt. New Addition to My Sword Art ShopThis immaculate bronze sword of the Riegsee type (c. 1300 BC) was found at the site of a Bronze Age conflict in the Tollense Valley, north-eastern Germany. It may have been deliberately deposited rather than lost in battle—but traces of re-sharpening and a small notch suggest it saw use, either in training or in combat. Here’s a brief video clip. Get your full-colour, full-size images and all measurements of this unique piece for only $12.50!
Live Chat on Rapier’s DelightMark your calendars! Talking about swords comes second only to wielding them on my list of favourite activities—so of course, I jumped at the opportunity. Join us for a lively discussion on 11 May 2025, where we’ll explore how the study of original period swords informs modern interpretations of historical sword fighting. What better way to spend two hours on a Sunday?
Hedeby Bouts: Photos & VideosThe recent Hedeby Bouts were two absolutely delightful days of fencing in an amazing venue. Add to that excellent company, good food, and a bit of luck with the weather—and you’ve got the perfect weekend. Hedeby veteran Tom Jersø has shared some fantastic photos and a brief video on his social channels. And if you’re still craving more, I’ve posted additional fencing footage from last year's bouts on Patreon. Watch some sword-and-shield practice with Mikkel Mønsted. You can watch the first fight as a preview—or even better, excellent patrons to view the full video and many more.
Shields up! 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. Improve your skills with our sword-and-buckler online courses. 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, 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.