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.
Close Combat with Shield and Short Spear The threat of a throw is how Arttu dominates an opponent at wide range Hello historical martial arts enthusiasts, What happens when a professional dancer, researcher, and martial artist explores the dynamics of spear and shield combat? At the Ribe Bouts 2025, Arttu Peltoniemi shared fifteen years of study on how javelin-sized spears and sharp spearheads behave in close combat — with impressive precision and physical control. The Ribe class also...
HistoRealities.com — Authenticity Animated Our new project: Historical accuracy meets cutting-edge animation Hello history enthusiasts, Regular readers will recall recent editions of this newsletter discussing both the exciting possibilities and the frustrating absurdities of AI image and video generation — particularly when it comes to creating animated depictions of historical figures and settings. The conference took place at Augsburg University on 9/10 October I’ve just returned from a...
Fall for Swords: From Viking Shields to Bronze Blades On the training field in the Ribe VikingeCenter Hello fellow sword enthusiasts, Autumn has arrived, and the calendar is brimming with exciting events. The Ribe Bouts are now fully booked. I am delighted by the event’s popularity and look forward to welcoming Viking re-enactors from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Finland at the wonderful Ribe VikingeCenter in just two weeks. Attendees will receive final information by email...