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Love how you protect your sword hand behind the shield AND use the shield as an offensive weapon.

What I have always enjoyed about these videos is the demonstration of true fighting skills. The subtle changes in the distance, angling, pressure, and relaxed serpentine like movements to create or flow to openings in the defenses of opponents. This is in stark contrast to the exaggerated athletic ( and highly telegraphed ) movements of actors in Viking themed TV shows and movies. Efficiency and cunning are better tools than mindless strength, thanks for the great content and lessons.

I love it when you post you bouts, it's always fun. You're such an inspiration keep up the great content! :)

Great video as always

Watch the video once at normal speed and then rewatch it at double the speed.

The shield was an extremely pro active weapon in its own right. The shield would be turned to throw an incoming blow to the side while a strike from your axe can hit a strategic spot on the opponent. Sword would be even better as it had the larger sharpened heavy length. Man I love this stuff. I think the shield was the most important part

Roland, I truly love all your videos thanks for your work. Skalligrim just posted a video featuring footage of African stick and shield fighting and I can't help but see similarities between that and the way you combine sword and shield. I'm totally looking from an untrained eye so I may be completely wrong too lol.

Nice work =) thank you for sharing

looks like both guys got hit by the sword on their shield hand. I wonder if that was a common way the fight would end, cut the shield hand then either let them yield or be finished.

Immer wieder ein Genuß euch beiden zuzusehen, gern mehr davon! Hoffe dass ich mir das auch mal live ansehen kann :)

Great to see you're still there... Has been silent so long I started to worry...

I have to say it is a thing of beauty to see two skilled swordsmen spar with sword and shield.

Great, would love to see longer version of this!

Vikings often went through 3 shields in a dual. It seems this style of fighting can do no damage to a shield. Any reason for that other than safety and preserving shields ?

Does anyone know where to get a decent, affordable viking sword that actually has a historically accurate grip rather than on than a grip that is overlong in accordance with the tastes of modern reenactors?

Find information on DIMICATOR events at Hedeby/Haithabu here:

Hail @rolandwarzecha I am new to sword fighting techniques...although I have purchased a viking sword and made a wooden replica to practice with for now! I have been researching and watching your videos and other but I wonder if you would take the time to suggest some videos for new starters to practice stance, moves & cuts im keen to learn the correct technique from the start... what would you suggest for the new comber who wants to learn in your style? I haven't been able to find any video of yours that cover this.. you may have some though I have not found? thankyou so much really appreciate your time. Reiss

It that why the sword handles are made the way they are to allow for a lot of twisting around?

What an epic battle! Almost lost a finger there a couple times, huh? :D Well done!