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.
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...
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...
Screenshot from a video based on an illustration of mine (Wünsch/Warzecha 2025) The Future of the Past Hello history enthusiasts, Today I’d like to share a truly exciting new project I’m currently developing. Together with my fellow illustrator Oliver Wünsch, I’m working on a completely new format for storytelling. Thanks to the latest AI tools, we can now bring our illustrations to life—animate them, and even make them speak. This opens up incredible possibilities, especially for...