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.
New Scabbard + My Lecture in Copenhagen
A Home for a SwordHello sword enthusiasts. A good sword needs an appropriate scabbard. My friend and fellow buckler fighter Christina had been aware of that for a long time. Last year she approached me and asked if I was willing to supervise her work if she would make scabbards for her training swords. I said I would. So today I will present to you one of the two scabbards she made. I think she did a great job. I have compiled some photos of details for you in a post.
Read more about scabbards and scabbard making in this previous newsletter. Viking Age Combat Discussion Forum 2024When this newsletter hits your inbox, I will be in Copenhagen for a conference on one of my favourite subjects, namely Viking Age Fighting. I have been invited to contribute a lecture about sword design and ergonomics. I am very much looking forward to it, and to meeting some old friends, as well as making the acquaintance of some fine researchers whose work I have been following. Here is the program: Is the pen mightier than the sword?
Finds and fights in archaeology
The Danish Viking Reenactment scene
Reconstructing combat
Special thanks to the event organiser Gustav Hejlesen Solberg for inviting me. I will let you all about the conference when I am back. 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, 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.
Hello history enthusiasts and fellow fighters, just a quick heads-up: Spear & Shield Combat is now live! Arttu Peltoniemi and the Hirdmenn team have put a tremendous amount of research, experimentation and training into this system, and I am very happy to finally make their work available through Dimicator School. The 41% launch discount runs until midnight on 11 October. Explore Spear & Shield Combat There are several free previews, including a video chat with Arttu about his approach and...
Hello fellow fighters and archaeology enthusiasts, this week, it is all about spears and shields! On Saturday, 3 October, we will finally release our new online course dedicated entirely to fighting with what was arguably one of the most important weapon combinations in European history. Before we get there, however, I have some remarkable archaeological spears to show you — including a mystery hidden among hundreds of weapon shafts from the bogs of Nydam and Thorsberg. Original bog finds on...
Hello fellow history enthusiasts and fighters, from Roman reconstruction to actually picking up weapons ourselves, there is plenty to explore — and practise — this autumn. Here are the latest news and opportunities. Is This Roman Properly Dressed? A while ago, I shared an animation of the Roman legionary I originally illustrated for the Varus Battle museum in Kalkriese. It prompted some interesting questions. Should he be wearing additional padding and pteruges underneath his segmented...