A Medieval Martial LegacyDear fellow sword-and-shield enthusiast, Contrary to popular misconception, I.33 is not an isolated oddity but firmly part of the martial lineage that later produced the famed fechtbücher of the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance. At the same time, it preserves core concepts of shield fighting that dominated combat for millennia—making it a vital key to understanding martial arts across eras. Schutzen – Fighting with Sword & Buckler 2 completes the essential framework of I.33‘s fighting system by introducing a core defensive strategy. The term “schutzen” (from medieval German: to cover, to protect) describes a specific tactical concept deeply embedded in the I.33 system—one linking the oldest known treatise on sword fighting with later fechtbücher and living fencing traditions. See the curriculum, watch previews and start learning here:
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I am Roland Warzecha, a professional illustrator – and a swordsman. Hence the name ‘Dimicator’ which is a Latin term meaning sword fighter. I present to you cutting-edge research into historical martial arts, and Viking & high medieval sword & shield fighting in particular. I am co-operating with museums, fellow martial artists and scholars worldwide. Renowned expert for historical arms, Dr Alfred Geibig, says: “The careful reconstruction of historical swordsmanship, impressively demonstrated by Mr. Warzecha, is a valuable supplement to archaeological insights, and clearly proves the efficiency of European swords and the sophistication of the associated historical fighting arts.” To get regular up-dates on the archaeology and history of sword & shield and how they were used, sign up for my newsletter! I would be delighted if you would join my quest.
A Famous Viking Age Sword Made for a Left-Hander My friend Alban's favourite sword Hello fellow sword and history enthusiasts, It’s not often that you get to see this exceptionally well-preserved sword outside the British Museum. With its wide fuller inscribed LEUTLRIT and an Anglo-Danish hilt adorned with geometric inlays, it is an outstanding piece. Note the slightly off-centre and tilted montage of the pommel But what I find most intriguing are the subtle asymmetries in the hilt...
The Fencing Bridegroom Swordsmen's distinguished summer fashion Hello sword-and-buckler enthusiasts and fashion victims, My fellow buckler fighter and researcher Cornelius Berthold was married this past weekend. The occasion provided a splendid opportunity for some early-morning fencing before breakfast—and, notably, for swordplay in suits. The latter was suggested by photographer Jonas Radtke, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing the resulting images. There can be only one! In the...
Are We But Brutal Primates? Chimps make war, bonobos make love. What about us? (My illustration) Hello fellow history enthusiasts, I suspect many of you share my feeling that we are living through particularly unusual and turbulent times. While I generally make a conscious effort to maintain a positive outlook and focus on the good, I must admit this has grown increasingly difficult in recent years. Stupidity, ignorance and brutality seem all too prominent among our species at present....