What is Glima?

Glim is a type of folk wrestling and national sport of Iceland. It has been practiced at least since the 12th century and probably quite longer. In its most traditional form, Glima is a gentleman entertainment in which sports and right techniques are key.

Traditional Glima was standardized in 1916 by Icelandic Sports Federation. Today, GLIMA wrestlers wear special shoes and a special belt that the opponent grabs during the match. There are four "key points" and eight "basic tricks". Four key points are that wrestlers have to properly grasp their opponent's belt, stand upright, move around a circular way and try to throw themselves with legs, hips and legs. Eight basic tricks or matches techniques can be adjusted to include approximately 50 different methods of throwing an opponent. Drengskapur is an honorary code that each player must follow, showing justice and respect for his opponent.

Less formal incarnation Glima is called axlatök Island or livtagsglim in Swedish. It is a test of strength rather than mastering a certain technique. Livtagsglima is also practiced standing upright, but the wrestlers grip the upper body instead of a special belt and make the opponent touch the ground with a different body other than the legs is considered a throw.

The third form of Glima, lausataksglima is the least formal and most aggressive type. In Scandinavian countries, he is often taught as a form of self -defense, but in Iceland he rarely practices where he is not considered to be true glimus. Lausataksglims can use any holding and can intentionally try to hurt each other in some contexts. Although Lausataksglima was not practiced about 100 years before its recent popularity, there was a similar form of aggressive wre in Scandinavia in antiquityStling. While the Vikings practiced Glima for recreation and as a friendly competition, in extreme circumstances, they could also struggle to death.