Glíma

Glíma is a traditional form of Nordic folk wrestling from Iceland. The term "glíma" is the Icelandic word for wrestling in general. However, the word also carries a broader meaning of "struggle." It is much more than a simple test of physical power. For many, it is a way to demonstrate skill, honor, and grace. The sport is deeply tied to Icelandic identity. It is considered the national sport of Iceland. Practitioners follow a strict code of honor called drengskapur. This code requires fairness and respect for all participants. It also emphasizes caring for the safety of one's training partners.

The most widespread version is known as trouser-grip glíma, or brókartök. This style prioritizes technique over raw strength. To prepare for a match, wrestlers wear specialized equipment. They wear a main belt around the waist. They also wear additional belts around their lower thighs. These thigh belts connect directly to the main waist belt.

During the match, a wrestler takes a fixed grip. They place one hand on the belt. They place the other hand on the opponent's trousers at thigh height. From this position, the wrestler uses specific movements to trip or throw the opponent.

There are specific rules that define the mechanics of trouser-grip glíma. First, the wrestlers must always remain in an upright position. Bending over at the waist is a move called ousting, and it is strictly banned. Second, the opponents engage in a continuous stepping pattern called stígandi. They must step clockwise around each other, similar to the movement of a waltz. This constant motion prevents a stalemate and creates chances for attack. Third, wrestlers are encouraged to look across each other's shoulders. This is because glíma is meant to be practiced by touch and feel rather than sight. Finally, players cannot use forceful pushing to knock an opponent down. This is considered unsportsmanlike. Instead, a winner should use a well-implemented grip to make the opponent fall gracefully.

Winning a match in trouser-grip glíma requires precision. The goal is to make the opponent touch the ground. Specifically, the opponent loses if they touch the ground with any part of the body between the elbow and the knee. A wrestler may attempt to land on their hands or feet to avoid this. If they succeed in landing on their hands or feet, they have not lost the fall. The core of this system relies on eight main techniques. These basic moves form the foundation for approximately 50 different ways to execute a throw or a takedown.

The history of glíma stretches back to the original settlers of Iceland. These early people brought wrestling traditions with them to the island. We know these combat systems were used by the population because of the Jónsbók law book from 1325. Modern competition has a more recent timeline. A modern trouser-grip competition was first held in 1888. This event has been held almost every year since then. In 1905, the use of belts was introduced to improve the wrestlers' grip. Before this change, they held onto each other's trousers. In 1906, the first competition for the Belt of Grettir began. The winners of this prestigious contest are honored with the title of Glima King. Glíma even reached a global stage during a demonstration at the 1912 Summer Olympics.

Beyond the national sport, several other variants of glíma exist. One version is backhold wrestling, or hryggspenna. This style is more similar to other wrestling forms and focuses more on testing strength. In this version, opponents hold each other's upper bodies. The loser is anyone who touches the ground with any part of the body except their feet. Another distinct style is loose-grip wrestling, or lausatök. This version is much more aggressive than the others. It is practiced in two different ways: for friendly competition and for self-defence.

In friendly lausatök, wrestlers use any holds they wish. However, they are still taught to execute moves without causing injury. In these matches, the winner is the person still standing while the other is on the ground. If both people fall together, the match continues on the ground. The goal is to use techniques to stay up while getting the opponent down. The self-defence version of lausatök is even more different. In this training, participants explore harmful or hurtful techniques. They do so in a free and creative way to learn how to protect themselves. This specific form of training is practiced at the Norwegian Glima Championship and Lausatök Combat Glima Finland.