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.
Wrestling: Emil Sends Me Flying, Hedeby 2025, Plus Free Timing Resources
When the Going Gets Rough …“Never wrestle a wrestler!” That’s what Emil said to me after he sent me flying through the air during a practice fight at Ribe VikingeCenter this autumn—or should I say fall? Of course, he was right. Grappling should be part of any swordfighter’s repertoire. Alas, despite Cornelius’ best efforts at Dimicator Schola to improve my poor wrestling skills, I am definitely more adept at keeping my opponent at bay with sword and shield. If you want to test your mettle against Emil—or see if you can throw me too—you are warmly invited to join the 2025 Hedeby Bouts, scheduled for 12th–13th April 2025. Mark your calendars or sign up straight away by replying to this email. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until next spring to level up your martial skills. You can start improving your fencing at home by deepening your understanding of timing: Cornelius has recently created a free series of 24 brief video episodes, each only a minute long. These daily releases started on 1st December and will continue until Christmas Eve. You can find the videos on the Dimicator Schola Facebook page or YouTube channel. So if you want to learn what it means to be frozen in motion, for instance, go watch these videos! On YouTube, Cornelius also provides a free extensive, in-depth exploration of timing—the ideal playlist for the upcoming holidays. This series of video essays explains why timing is a crucial concept, outlines the theory behind it, and shows which aspects of fencing practice it influences. It’s easy to say that timing is important, but far more challenging to understand its full implications. And if that’s not enough, you can unlock the tools to outmanoeuvre your opponent through an advanced understanding of timing by enrolling in our latest online course:
The course offers a practical framework applicable across the sword arts. To enhance your learning experience, the course now includes English subtitles upon request. See how you can turn on subs in your course in the screenshot below. Happy learning and time travelling! 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. Improve your skills with our sword-and-buckler online course. 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.
Continuity in European Combat Arts? Hello fellow sword enthusiasts, researchers, and fighters, How did people actually fight in close combat 3,000 years ago—and how much of that knowledge survived into the age of the fechtbücher? Mycenaean imagery occassionally shows an overhand thrust known as oberstich in late medieval German combat treatises Recently, a viewer asked why I do not demonstrate the use of Bronze Age swords with what he called a “hammer grip” — essentially gripping the weapon...
Studying Originals, Recreating History Holding an original Bronze Age sword in your hands is always a moment of quiet astonishment. Hello archaeology aficionados, The ingenious design and ergonomics of these weapons never cease to amaze me. Thanks to the courtesy of Professor Harald Meller and Dr Jan-Heinrich Bunnefeld, I had the opportunity to examine several bronze swords at the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle, home of the world-famous Nebra Sky Disc. One of the grips that works really...
Hello fellow bucklerista, You are most welcome to sign up for an action-packed weekend of sword & buckler fencing with practitioners from all over the world. The next BBB are scheduled for the weekend of 30/31 May 2026. Find info on the event and registration here: Go to Event Post We are looking forward to fencing and celebrating international friendship with you at the Berlin Buckler Bouts. Ralf, Roland & the Twerchhau team Attendees of the 24th BBB. Get the group photo here.