Viking martial arts

FAQ

There are some questions that are common and many ask, here you will find the answer.

If you don't find the answer, you are welcome to use the contact box and send us your question.

Have you also heard this story?:

"I have always been fascinated by martial arts and the physical and mental strength that the athlete shows. That's why I decided to try it myself a few years ago. I enrolled at a local martial arts school, but unfortunately, after only a few months, I started to feel more and more frustrated and eventually quit altogether.

It wasn't because I didn't enjoy the martial art or the training, but rather because of all the details that went into it. Firstly, there was the equipment needed to participate in the training sessions. I had to buy as special clothing and protective equipment was expensive and not always of good quality. It was also an expensive membership. I felt that I had to constantly spend more money to be able to continue attending the training sessions.

Another challenge was the intense physical training. I had never been in particularly good shape, and although I knew martial arts would be demanding, it was much harder than I had expected".

So what is Dyneja?
Dyneja is a unique and exciting form of training that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This form of martial arts combines elements from traditional fighting techniques and modern martial arts styles, and provides a holistic and challenging training for both body and mind. We are very careful about discipline, so you will probably recognize something from other combat sports. But the Vikings' strategy was "no strategy"... and we have adopted this and we are not petty about the techniques. Everyone has to find "their style" because this is a "battle against yourself to become your own better self" - not a battle against other athletes.
Dyneja is a form of training that is suitable for everyone regardless of age and physical condition. There are different levels and adaptations of exercises that enable everyone to participate and challenge themselves at their own level.
Dyneja can also be a good way to deal with stress and release tension. In a busy everyday life, getting an outlet for aggression and energy through exercise can be very beneficial for providing good balance and mental health.

practice with sword

€19 per month per student.

... and we have a family discount.

If there are several of you in the same family who are training, we give big discounts, use the contact form to get an offer.This is an investment in your own life tree,

Your very own Yggdrasil.

No credit card needed!

You get an invoice every 3. months and

pay three months in advance. If you don't pay this, it is a message to Dyneja that you no longer want to join - - and we will delete you from the member lists.

Easy to join, and easy to get out.

practice with sword

Can I Really Learn Dyneja Online?

Oh yes! The instructional videos are filmed as a private lesson and show details you might not even learn in regular gym training.

You can train for yourself right up to Jarl level.

Modern technology continues to evolve at a remarkable rate. In fact, the tools and resources needed to properly teach martial arts online have only been available for a few short years. 

The time has finally come in which we can bring you quality online lessons that are equal to, and even perhaps superior to in some ways, the traditional ways of training.

All instructors and affiliated schools support your rating and certification. Rankings are earned, not given.

We maintain the same (if not higher) standards for our online home study students. After the Corona pandemic we all learned a lot - and today almost all styles of martial arts have online training, this works.

I'm in very bad shape ...

First thing first. You don't have to be especially fit or athletic to start with Dyneja.

No Experience Necessary: Perfect for people who don't want to screw around taking formal self defense classes... don't want to practice advanced gymnastic exercises and go down the split,

flips & high kicks - etc.

All that matters is that you're open to new experiences that can change your whole life.

The video lessons are based on your current skill level - that means you will learn everything from the basics.

You decide the pace yourself, we don't push you forward or force you to upgrade - - YOU decide.

One of the best features of Dyneja is that it's suitable for everyone regardless of fitness level, you can train at your own pace to ensure you work as hard as you can in a safe environment.

What is the price

?

practice with sword

Can I test to my black level with you?

Yes, and black level with us is called "Jarl". We can do the exam for Jarl in many ways: You can show up at a club on an ordinary test, you can make an appointment with us and we will look at you directly online - and you can take up a film, post (unlisted on YouTube for example) and send us the link.

If you want to become a Dyneja Jarl, we will make it happen

How long do I have to practice before I get the Jarl level?

It's very much up to you, if you train hard you will be able to get the black belt in 2-3 years. If you train two days a week (which is normal) and follow most of our weekly live online training sessions, you will spend a little over 3 years.

How old must I be to train Dyneja?

There is a lower age limit of 12, but if you are under 18 you must

have written permission from your guardians (we will send you a form for this).

We have members in all age groups from 12 to 65 today. We admit young people from the age of 12 if they train with their parents or under supervision of their parents.

Dyneja arts are for everyone. Regardless of your age, our classes are designed to accommodate different skill levels, making it possible for anyone to start their dyneja arts journey with us. We welcome students of all ages to join our classes and discover the benefits of viking arts training.


What devices can I use to stream?

DYNEJA works on all devices in your browser. If you encounter issues, ensure your browser is kept up to date.

Mobile phone, iPad, tablet, or PC, everything functions.

Can you learn Dyneja online?

Online courses are becoming increasingly popular, but are they really an effective way of learning? Is it really possible to learn techniques online?

It is important that you begin the path for yourself. You will be able to become healthier, stronger and perhaps more confident. This change will also be noticed by the people in your life. Don't be put off by what other people think about it. And just so that is said, you can find online training for all types of martial arts today. The Internet is here to stay... (believe it or not...) and those who talk this down may not have understood that the Internet is a wonderful medium - medical procedures are carried out online these days... - and Dyneja aren't that complicated...


What is the cost of a test?

It's €30 per degree to test (you pay as you go) and then €100 to test for your Jarl level.

If you fail the test, you can retest within one month - at no extra cost.

Do I have to buy a real sword / axe etc. to practie?

No, but you must make your own weapon (or possibly buy, there is no shame in buying).

These are harmless weapons that you train with at all levels up to black belt.

At black level (Jarl), however, you need to buy steal weapons. A "beard axe" that we use costs around €50 - 80, a sword from €70 and upwards.

You must buy a throwing ax when you go up to green belt, these cost from €7 - 30. You make your own shield (bukare) and you make your own longbow (or buy...).

What is included in my subscription?

All the videos (you can access these on the members pages) and one hour of live web-training every week, are included in your subscription. You will also have the opportunity to take the exam online (price; see "how much does testing cost"). 

How do I cancel my subscription?

You get an invoice every 3 months, if you don't pay this, it is a message to Dyneja that you no longer want to join - - and we will delete you from the member lists.

You get only one reminder.

What equipment  do I need?

When you begin, you don't need any equipment. You just need some space to move around, and feel free to exercise outdoors.

You will eventually create (or purchase) your own training weapons and shields. A self-made shield:  around €10-15.

By the third level, you will need a throwing axe (approximately €10-30) and a Viking tunic (priced around €10-60).

As a Jarl (black belt), you will be required to acquire a genuine "beard axe," a real sword, and to craft (or purchase) a longbow.

Yes, you can get private lessons, both online and by meeting our instructors in person. You must agree this separately with a Jarl PT.

Private lessons?

Seminars?

There are seminars and also competitions several times a year. Some of the competition takes place live online (you can participate online). We have an annual summer camp in Scandinavia where all members are invited (voluntary attendance), and we also have special seminars for instructors and the most eager members.

If you wish to become a trainer (Jarl PT), we have a special program for this.


When you start, you start with what you have and there is no need to invest in anything.

When you reach the ÅRMAN level, you should wear a brown Viking tunic with short sleeves and a T-shirt in the color that represents your level. You must also use our brand. You can buy a tunic with "Dyneja" on the back from us - or by one yourself anywhere.

The Northmen valued colors, so you are free to choose the color of your trousers.

Jarl level and all instructors can pick their own top. 

At Dyneja, we provide a brown leather belt with a ring at the end (Black belt for Jarl level). You must also use an OBI or similar to attach the sword to the belt.

You can order the belts through your trainer or buy them yourself anywhere.

Uniforms and belts

Do I have to learn the Norwegian language

No. There are only 20 - 30 words and expressions you must know - these you learn easily.

All our videos and booklets have been translated into English, with more languages on the way.


Can I learn sword / ax techniques on my own?

Yes, you can - and you must. Beginners are not allowed to participate in sparring, it is only at Jarl level that Dyneja uses sparring with other partners -if you want...

If you look at the Viking combat sports on offer, you will see that many start with weapons and shields and practice against other students straight away. It is dangerous and injuries quickly occur. This is not the way to learn ... 

For safety reasons, beginners in Dyneja are not permitted to engage in sparring with weapons. However, our training sessions help participants develop their skills and prepare for the challenges of combat, creating a realistic and immersive experience.

We believe that true strength lies not only in physical power, but also in knowledge and self-confidence. Before engaging in combat, it is essential to master all techniques and trust in your abilities. Join us on a journey of learning and empowerment.

How Long Does it Take to Learn

Axe and Swordsmanship?

With dedicated practice and the guidance of our comprehensive books and videos, you can learn the basics in about 100 hours. Our services cater to both beginners and those looking to refine their skills, ensuring you can immerse yourself in the rich world of Dyneja combat.

Regardless of whether it is a sword or an axe, mastering the art of Viking weaponry is a complex endeavor that demands dedicated practice and meticulous attention to detail. Only through diligent practice you truly can learn the techniques and tactics essential for combat with a sword and an axe. The more you practice, the better you get. We believe that practice makes perfect. It only might take three months before you can graduate the first time, but it will take many years to truly master the art of Dyneja.

Do I have to buy expensive protective equipment, fencing helmets, etc.?

No. You are training solo. In Dyneja, you primarily learn weaponry with axes, swords, bows and spears.. You have to train for several years before you go "man to man"

Is Dyneja an authentic Viking martial art?

All viking martial arts offered are generally assumptions about how we think the vikings trained and not a HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts).

In the Western world, many of us don't think of Europe when we think of martial arts. You might think of TaeKwonDo, Karate or Kung Fu, which is not wrong.

While many may associate martial arts with Eastern traditions, it is important to note that martial arts also include fighting styles from medieval and Renaissance Europe. European martial artists were skilled warriors who fought with a wide range of weapons, from battle axes to their own bare hands.

These extinct martial arts are being revived through the study of old fighting traditions and practices from Europe. This is HEMA - Historic European Martial Arts. The focus of HEMA is on the period from approx. 1300 to 1800.

The colored belt system (which we also use in DYNEJA) did not come until 1935 with judo in Paris. The Asians felt that the Western students would show greater progress if they had visible evidence of their progress. This system involved white, yellow, orange, green, blue, and brown belt. The colored belt system is therefore "new" in all combat sports, and hardly something the Norwegians used. But we know that in the post-Viking period the Norse used rank systems, and that is where we at DYNEJA have taken the inspiration for our degrees.

At DYNEJA, we are passionate about martial arts and its rich history. The most of our instuktors have a background in Asian martial arts.

As martial arts enthusiasts, we explore various disciplines. While many training methods from different cultures have been documented over the years, the Vikings' training techniques remain a mystery as there are no existing records. However, we strive to honor their legacy by embodying their warrior spirit and incorporating elements of their fierce fighting style (as we think it was) into our training.

At DYNEJA, we believe in the authentic teachings of martial arts. We are here to provide you with our knowledge and training that we respects the traditional roots of martial arts.

If someone claims to offer you to learn "real Viking fighting," it's important to be skeptical - it's probably not true…(The exception might be Glima. Glima originates from the Viking Age and was the national sport of Iceland from the late 1800s. Glima fighting systems have been used by the Islandic population according Jónsbók (law book) from 1325 – but also here written aprox. 300 years after the Viking Age...)

In short, Dyneja is a modern training system that suits everyone and where you can train at home in your own room / outside. The aim has never been (nor is it possible) to make it historically correct, but we use the same weapons as they did in the Viking age.

 


For just €19 per month and you're up and running

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and stop at any time if this training does not suit you

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