Glímr

Glímr is a traditional Icelandic wrestling sport with a long history, believed to have origins in the Viking Age. It is a grappling-based martial art that emphasizes skill, balance, and control over brute strength. The objective of glímr is to throw one's opponent to the ground by manipulating their balance and using a series of specific techniques.

The wrestling is performed while standing, with opponents grasping each other by a special belt or sash, typically worn around the waist. This grip is crucial for initiating throws and maintaining leverage. Unlike some other wrestling styles, striking is not permitted in glímr. Instead, the focus is on grip fighting, footwork, and executing a clean throw. A successful throw is one where the opponent lands on their back with both shoulders touching the ground.

Glímr has been passed down through generations, with its techniques and traditions carefully preserved. It was a popular pastime and a display of strength and martial prowess in medieval Iceland. While its popularity waned over time, there has been a resurgence of interest in glímr in recent decades, with clubs and competitions being established to promote and preserve this unique cultural heritage. The sport requires significant physical conditioning, agility, and a deep understanding of leverage and balance.