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.
Vikings, Shields, and a Sunrise Duel
Shield Combat: Prehistoric, Viking, Medieval⚔️ Hello fellow fighters, history enthusiasts, and shield bearers,🛡️ spring is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to take shields in hand — whether in the field, in study, or in imagination. Hedeby This WeekendThe Hedeby Bouts will take place this weekend, 18–19 April 2026, at the Wikinger Häuser Haithabu. Participants from Denmark and Germany will gather for training, exchange, and, of course, a fair amount of good-humoured martial seriousness. If you are nearby, feel free to drop by. Watch us train, ask questions during breaks, take a closer look at the weapons, and perhaps gain a perspective on historical combat that goes a little beyond popular clichés. Or simply enjoy the remarkable setting — Hedeby is always worth a visit. And while we do take what we do seriously: if your inner child (or your real one) would like a photo with a group of armed Vikings, just let us know. Ribe and BeyondMore Viking matters: I have just published a new image gallery from past Ribe Bouts on my Patreon. It captures some of the atmosphere of these intense and rewarding events — from focused training to shared moments in a unique historical environment. The next Ribe Bouts are scheduled for 16–18 October. As always, this will be a three-day event combining dedicated martial practice with living history. If you would like to join, simply reply to this email. For those who cannot attend in person, there is good news: Arttu Peltoniemi and his colleagues from Hirdmenn are currently working on an online course on Viking shield and spear combat. Stay tuned — this promises to be a valuable resource.
Sword & Buckler at SunriseOn a slightly more romantic note: Cornelius Berthold has edited a video of freeplay with sword and buckler, recorded during an early morning training session on the day of his wedding last midsummer. Few settings are more fitting for fencing than a quiet morning, good company, and sharpened focus.
Get inspired, and perhaps take it as encouragement to step up your own training as summer approaches. ⚔️ If you would like to deepen your practice, our I.33 sword-and-buckler courses are currently available at a 15% discount using the code SUMMERWEDDING: Bronze Age Combat — A New ProjectI have completed the concept for an extensive research project on Bronze Age combat. The document brings together many strands of my work — archaeology, experimental practice, and visual reconstruction. The image shown here is the cover illustration I created for the project. I will have a small number of printed copies of the 20-page concept and will soon begin presenting it to potential partners. Wish me luck. As always, my sincere thanks go to my supporters on Patreon. Your backing makes projects like this possible in the first place.
Shields up — be they of bronze, hide, or wood! Roland P. S. 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. 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.
Prehistoric Belief, Bronze Age Design and Imperial Remains Documenting a Late Bronze Age sword at the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle. Hello fellow (pre-)history enthusiasts, from time to time, closer inspection of artefacts reveals patterns that are as simple as they are profound. At other times, new discoveries remind us how complex and layered our understanding of the past has become. This issue brings together both: geometry and belief, craftsmanship and power — and the enduring human...
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...