Glíma

History

Wrestling was brought to Iceland by its original settlers, and combat systems derived from it were used by the populace according to the Jónsbók law book from 1325. A modern trouser-grip glima competition was first held in Iceland in 1888 and has been held almost every year since. In 1905 the belt was introduced to improve grip; previously wrestlers held each other's trousers. The first competition for the Belt of Grettir, whose winners are named The Glima King, took place in 1906. A demonstration of modern trouser-grip glima occurred at the 1912 Summer Olympics.

Variants

The trouser-grip style, called brókartök, is the most common form of glima in Iceland and holds the status of the nation’s sport. It prioritizes skill over raw power. Wrestlers wear a waist belt connected to additional belts on the lower thighs, allowing a fixed grip: one hand on the belt, the other on the trousers at thigh height. From this hold, the wrestler aims to trip and throw the opponent. A thrown wrestler can avoid losing the fall by landing on their feet and hands. Victory comes when the opponent touches the ground with any part of the body between the elbow and knee.

Several features set glima apart from other wrestling styles. Wrestlers must always stay upright, never bending at the waist. They step clockwise around each other in a movement that resembles a waltz, which helps create chances for attack and defense while preventing a standstill. Forcefully pushing an opponent down or falling onto them is banned, as it is considered unsportsmanlike. Wrestlers are also expected to look over each other’s shoulders, relying on touch and feel rather than sight.

The system is built on eight core techniques, which form the foundation for about fifty different throws or takedowns. A code of honor called drengskapur surrounds the sport, emphasizing fairness, respect, and concern for the safety of training partners.

The word glíma is the Icelandic term for wrestling in general and also carries the broader meaning of struggle. Glima differs from other ethnic wrestling styles in three key ways. First, the upright posture: contestants must remain vertical, and bending at the waist—called ousting—is forbidden. Second, the stepping, known as stígandi, involves constant clockwise movement to avoid a standstill and open up opportunities. Third, the ban on knocking over: it is not allowed to push an opponent down with force. Instead, a wrestler should conquer through a well-executed grip that causes the opponent to fall gracefully without further action.