Events at Hedeby, Bruges, and BerlinDear sword-and-shield fighters and medieval arms aficionados, Time is flying! If you’re planning to join us at the Hedeby Bouts (12–13 April), fence shield fighters from Poland, the UK, the US, and Germany at the Berlin Buckler Bouts (24–25 May), or attend our classes at Fechtschule Bruges 2025 (1–4 May), now is the time to sign up. These events are driven by the passion and commitment of their organisers, so swift registration is a great way to show your support and appreciation for such initiatives. Find waivers and info on the Hedeby Bouts here. All forms and info on the BBB are here. Sign up for Fechtschule 2025 here. We look forward to meeting you—sword in hand, and hopefully for a chat and a drink in the evening, too. I.33 Launch Campaign Ends at Midnight TonightThis is your final chance to enrol in Schutzen – Fighting with Sword & Buckler 2 at a 40% discount. If you’re still on the fence, take a moment to browse the full curriculum and watch the free previews. Ready to learn from two dedicated experts with decades of combined experience? We are looking forward to sharing our knowledge with you.
Train with insight, P.S. Course 1 is still available at 35% off. Start your journey—or complete it—with the full foundation. 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. |
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.
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....
Berlin Buckler Bouts, Posture, Courses & Excursions Brave Berlin Bucklerists, May 2025 Hello fellow buckler fighters, researchers, and enthusiasts, Last weekend marked the 23rd Berlin Buckler Bouts, with participants joining us from Canada, the US, Poland, and Germany. As usual, I particularly enjoyed the Sunday session, when I could focus on addressing issues in my fencing that had become apparent during Saturday’s bouts—a sentiment I shared with many other participants. Fencing Ewan...
The Guild in the Gatehouse The hooded men! Hello fellow HEMA practitioners, I’ve just uploaded a folder of photos I took at the recent Fechtschule 2025, hosted by the Hallebardiers in Bruges. You can download it here. Feel free to share the images as you please. It was a fantastic event—great fencing, excellent spirit, and outstanding hospitality. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The current Cross Gate was constructed in 1400. The Hallebardiers undoubtedly have the coolest guild house imaginable....