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.
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Events at Hedeby, Bruges, and BerlinDear sword-and-shield fighters and medieval arms aficionados, Time is flying! If you’re planning to join us at the Hedeby Bouts (12–13 April), fence shield fighters from Poland, the UK, the US, and Germany at the Berlin Buckler Bouts (24–25 May), or attend our classes at Fechtschule Bruges 2025 (1–4 May), now is the time to sign up. These events are driven by the passion and commitment of their organisers, so swift registration is a great way to show your support and appreciation for such initiatives. Find waivers and info on the Hedeby Bouts here. All forms and info on the BBB are here. Sign up for Fechtschule 2025 here. We look forward to meeting you—sword in hand, and hopefully for a chat and a drink in the evening, too. I.33 Launch Campaign Ends at Midnight TonightThis is your final chance to enrol in Schutzen – Fighting with Sword & Buckler 2 at a 40% discount. If you’re still on the fence, take a moment to browse the full curriculum and watch the free previews. Ready to learn from two dedicated experts with decades of combined experience? We are looking forward to sharing our knowledge with you.
Train with insight, P.S. Course 1 is still available at 35% off. Start your journey—or complete it—with the full foundation. 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.