Glima — Viking Wrestling from Iceland

Glima (Old Norse for “to flash” or “to sparkle” — descriptive of the rapid techniques) is the traditional Scandinavian wrestling of the Vikings — one of the oldest European combat systems with continuous, documented practice. When Icelandic settlers colonized their new homeland in the 9th century, they brought their wrestling tradition with them — and it has survived the centuries. The Jónsbók law book of 1325 describes Glima as part of Icelandic folk culture, making it one of the earliest documented European folk sports. Iceland designates Glima to this day as its national sport — and the annual Glima championships are a cultural event. Glima exists in three variants: the elegant Brókartök (trouser-grip wrestling), the powerful Hryggspenna (backhold), and the aggressive Lausatök (loose grip). The most common form, Brókartök, emphasizes technique over strength — allowing smaller fighters to defeat larger ones.

History

Viking Age (9th–11th century)

Glima was an integral part of Viking culture — not only as sport but as warrior training and social ritual. The Icelandic sagas — including the famous Grettis Saga — describe Glima fights as tests of strength, honor, and character.

Grettir Ásmundarson (Grettir the Strong) — the legendary hero of the Grettis Saga — is closely associated with Glima. Today’s Glima championship title is called Grettisbeltið (Grettir’s belt) — in his honor.

Jónsbók (1325)

The Jónsbók law book mentions Glima as a fixed component of Icelandic folk culture, giving Glima a historically unique legal record reaching back over a millennium.

Modern Institutionalization (1888–present)

1888: First modern Glima championship in Iceland.

1906: Introduction of the Grettisbeltið (Grettir’s belt title) — the most prestigious Glima title.

Today: Glima is officially listed in Iceland as national sport and taught in schools.

The Three Variants

Brókartök (Trouser-grip Glima)

The most elegant and widespread form. Both fighters grip each other by a belt strap at the thigh and a strap at the back — both grips simultaneously. The goal: throwing the opponent to the ground through technique, while maintaining the trouser grip. Whoever first touches the ground with any body part other than feet loses.

Character: upright stance, elegant throws, technique over strength.

Hryggspenna (Backhold)

Backhold wrestling: both fighters clasp each other around the back. Less elegant, more strength contest — more similar to Scottish backhold wrestling.

Lausatök (Loose grip)

The most aggressive variant: all grips permitted. Strikes, kicks, chokes, locks — similar to Pankration. This form is historically the oldest, today rarely practiced.

Core Techniques (Brókartök)

The eight fundamental techniques form the foundation for ~50 throw variations:

Stöng — direct throwing step Brögð — foot hook Snúningur — rotation throw Hnapptök — knee lever takedown

Philosophy

Glima carries the spirit of Nordic virtues: strength, endurance, honesty. The famous saying about Brókartök: “It is no test of strength — it is a test of character.” Whoever attempts to win with muscle rather than technique will always lose in Glima.

“Glima is proof that the clever beats the strong — when they know their art.” — Icelandic tradition

Connections to Other Martial Arts

Schwingen — closest European relative; both are folk wrestling arts with grip systems; Glima-Brókartök and Schwingen share the trouser-grip-wrestling approach
Sumo — structural similarity: both have a defined ring context and throws as primary method
Ssireum — Korean counterpart: Satba-grip vs. trouser-grip, similar folk culture function

Today

Glima is actively taught in Iceland, Scandinavia, and the Nordic diaspora. The Glímusamband Íslands (Icelandic Glima Federation) organizes competitions. International interest grows through Viking popular culture (TV series, HEMA).