Vivien Rolf

I am Vivien Rolf, founder and owner of Team Viking GmbH, which operates the Vikingstore specialist shops in Bern and St. Gallen. Fitness, bodybuilding, nutrition and combat sports have been part of my life for many years – both professionally and personally.

As an IFBB Wellness athlete, I have gained personal experience in several competition categories, from Bikini and Figure to Wellness. This has given me first-hand insight into the demands of structured training, well-planned nutrition and long-term competition preparation.

My professional career began with training in hospitality and gastronomy in Tyrol, Austria. After moving to Switzerland, I worked on the private orthopaedic and surgical ward of a cantonal hospital, where I was responsible for patient catering and hotel services.

With Vikingstore, I turned my passion into my profession. Together with my team, I personally advise athletes on sports nutrition, supplements, boxing gloves and combat sports equipment. Honest recommendations are particularly important to me. We do not simply sell just any product – we help our customers find solutions that suit their training, experience level and personal goals.

I also founded Vivi Soaps, my own brand specialising in handcrafted soaps and selected natural cosmetics.

On the Vikingstore blog, I share practical experience, product expertise and easy-to-understand information about bodybuilding, fitness, sports nutrition, boxing and combat sports. My goal is to help you choose the right products and to explain complex topics clearly, honestly and transparently. 

 

Sparring in Boxing - When Are You Really Ready?

Many beginners look forward to their first sparring session. After all, watching experienced boxers and kickboxers test their skills in the ring is an exciting part of any combat sport.

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Combat Sports
Vivien Rolf
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826 views

Why Boxing Hand Wraps Are More Important Than Most People Think

When beginners start boxing, kickboxing, or Muay Thai, they often spend a lot of time choosing the right gloves. However, one essential piece of equipment is frequently overlooked: hand wraps. No matter how expensive or well-padded your boxing gloves are, they cannot fully protect your hands without proper hand wrapping. That's why hand wraps are considered an essential part of every fighter's training gear.   

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Combat Sports
Vivien Rolf
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694 views

Construction Work Near Our Bern Store - Closed on Thursdays

From July 4 to July 25, 2026, Bernmobil will be carrying out tram track replacement work in the area around our store in Bern.  

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Vikingstore News
Vivien Rolf
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830 views

The 50 most frequently asked questions about boxing gloves - answered by a martial arts shop from Switzerland

Buying boxing gloves for the first time can be confusing. What do ounces mean? Should you choose leather or synthetic leather? What gloves are best for boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, sparring or bag work? These are questions we hear every day. This guide answers the most common questions about boxing gloves and helps beginners and experienced athletes avoid costly mistakes.  

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Combat Sports
Vivien Rolf
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943 views

Why many punching bags appear cheaper than they actually are

Anyone looking for a punching bag usually starts by comparing prices online. And we see the same situation again and again. A customer finds a punching bag for CHF 79 or CHF 99 and compares it directly to a model costing CHF 199 or CHF 299. At first glance, both products look very similar. But once you take a closer look, you often realize they are not comparable at all.  

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Combat Sports
Vivien Rolf
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956 views

Why Do Combat Sports Brands Disappear From The Market?

Many combat sports athletes have experienced the same situation: a well-known brand suddenly becomes difficult to find, retailers can no longer order products and popular items disappear from store shelves. Most people assume that poor quality or a lack of demand is the reason. In reality, the causes are usually very different.  

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Combat Sports
Vivien Rolf
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781 views

Namman Muay Oil: Why Does the New Version Smell Different?

Many combat sports athletes have noticed that a newly purchased bottle of Namman Muay Oil smells different from what they remember. Some users also feel that the warming sensation is not quite the same as it used to be.

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Combat Sports
Vivien Rolf
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1056 views

Mouthguard Keeps Falling Out - Common Fitting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them A mouthguard is one of t

A mouthguard is one of the most important pieces of protective equipment in boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai and many other combat sports. Still, many people have the same problem: the mouthguard does not stay in place, falls out while talking or feels loose during sparring. In most cases, the problem is not the model itself but incorrect fitting. At the Vikingstore in Bern, we regularly see mouthguards being fitted the wrong way. Even small mistakes during the first fitting process can lead to poor hold and comfort later on.  

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Combat Sports
Vivien Rolf
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1032 views

Shin Guards in Combat Sports - What Are the Real Differences?

Whether you train Kickboxing, Muay Thai or K1, shin guards are one of the most important pieces of protective equipment in combat sports. Many beginners buy the cheapest model at first and only later realize how big the differences really are.

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Combat Sports
Vivien Rolf
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1000 views

The Velcro fastener on your boxing glove no longer holds?

Is the Velcro closure on your boxing gloves no longer holding? Is it slipping, opening, or simply not providing a secure fit? This is a common problem – and not always a reason to buy new gloves. In this article, we'll show you what the cause is, what you can do immediately, and when a replacement is advisable for safety reasons.  

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Combat Sports
Vivien Rolf
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2159 views
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