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 I shared many images from my archive, as well as previously unpublished video footage of handling Bronze Age swords.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.
When History Gets Distorted – And Bucklers Get Raised Train, Fence, Connect – Berlin Buckler Bouts 24 Await! Dear fellow history enthusiasts and sword-and-shield fighters, in this edition, I invite you to take a closer look at how history is sometimes bent out of shape—whether in glossy TV dramas or even academic projects—through my two recent posts on Distorted History. At the same time, I’m delighted to share that registration is now open for the 24th Berlin Buckler Bouts this November—our...
Join the Ribe Bouts! Spear-and-shield workshop at the 2024 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. All meals will be prepared authentically on site. 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...
Don’t strike the initial blow from your right, if you are left-handed! My friend Ingo Petri with a left-handed schiavona from the collection of the Veste Coburg Hello fellow history enthusiasts and martial artists, The above advice comes from the late medieval German Fechtbuch Hs 44 A 8. On folio 11v, the author offers general tips on how to fight in a duel between a right- and a left-handed combatant. Clearly, left-handed fighters were a historical reality—something also supported by the...