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.
Events: Hedeby Bouts Review & BBB Registration
From Hedeby to Berlin
Hello living history fans & shield fighters.
My extended weekend at the Viking Museum Haithabu was a fantastic experience. Summer had come back, and the weather was quite hot. Good for sitting at table outside late at night. Not so good for fencing in woolen tunics, a very sweaty affair.
On Saturday after training, some of us got the chance to row out with the museum’s Viking ship. No photos yet, however, a stand-up paddler approached us on the water and took some images. He promised to send them to the museum. If ever he does, I will of course share them with you.
Swordswoman Leanne Wray attended the Hedeby Bouts for the first time, and she agreed to sum up her impressions to encourage others. I am very grateful for her review. Find it below.
The 20th Berlin Buckler Bouts are coming up on 25/26 November. Find below all you need to know to sign up, or to create some cool BBB t-shirts, whether you want to attend or not.
A Personal Experience
Leanne Wray trains sword & shield fighting at Tom Jersø's fencing and wrestling club in Copenhagen. Tom and Emil, two Hedeby Bouts regulars, have repeatedly encouraged her to come along as well. However, she was concerned not to be able to meet the requirements.
Now that she finally did come, she wrote this review:
“As a first time Hedeby Bouts participant I could not be more delighted with the fantastic weekend of great companionship, great fighting and the total generosity of all participants when it comes to sharing their insights and experience on how to build on and improve technique. I was fascinated to listen and learn about Viking history, craftsmanship and life in general – in addition to wanting to come away a better fighter.
To be able to stay at the Viking long houses over the weekend was a double thrill. It really helps you stay in the mood. Everyone tried hard to stay authentic, and in that setting it was like stepping back in time in the very best way.
Sharing laughter, food, wine and banter around the fire in the evenings was the perfect way to end the day of fighting.
For context I am a 53 year old Aussie lady and have only been training Viking fighting for a little over a year. But I felt totally welcome, very accepted and pushed to be a better warrior. I encourage anyone even considering if its worth it to book a place for the next event – I have walked away a better sword fighter and have made some new friends. It’s totally worth it!
Roland brings style, skill, years of experience and a generous spirit to hosting the event. He clearly is passionate about bringing history to life, and this attention to detail and setting a high standard in expecting all participating to stay authentic in terms of clothing and personal items and making sure that the general public, who visit the long houses whilst we are fighting, are also brought back in time to see “real Vikings” was perfect. It was a unique and special weekend, and I will be booking into the next one for sure.”
BBB 20 – All You Need to Know
The invitations for the 20th edition of this free international training event have been sent out today. If you are not yet on the invitational list but interested in joining shield fighters from around the globe for an intense weekend of fencing practice, you can access all information on requirements and registration in my respective public post.
That is where I also provide image files of the event logo which you are free to use for creating your very own BBB shirts, stickers, mugs and posters, regardless of whether you wish to attend or not.
| Go to BBB event info |
So, that's it for today. Take care, and keep your blade well-honed, and a shield close by.
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Yours,
Roland
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Dimicator
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.
Drawing by Numbers: Designing a Sword Peter Johnsson when I first met him in the Sankt Annen Museum in Lübeck in 2012 Dear fellow sword enthusiasts, archaeologists, and historical martial artists, Last week, I shared the story of the rediscovery of a sword from a Late Slavic burial (here is my extensive post). Since then, a discussion between researchers Jan H. Orkiz and Peter Johnsson has yielded fascinating insights into the design of this weapon. I hope you consider these findings both...
Fencing in Autumn & Unboxing a Medieval Sword Mikkel Mønsted and Emil O'Gara will teach classes at Ribe Dear fellow sword enthusiasts, archaeologists, and historical martial artists, Autumn has arrived, which means the Ribe Bouts and the Berlin Buckler Bouts are just around the corner. Details on how to join are below. Also in today’s newsletter: the rediscovery and documentation of a mighty sword from a Late Slavic burial in the Prignitz district of Brandenburg. I hope you find it an...
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