Glima is one of the oldest forms of European wrestling, which has survived to this day thanks to Iceland’s efforts to preserve it in its original cultural and sporting format. For centuries, Icelandic society, from communities and educational institutions to national sports organizations, has supported and developed this discipline, preserving its techniques, rules, and values. Thanks to this continuity, glima remains Iceland’s official national sport and one of the most authentic forms of martial arts in Europe.
Historical background References to wrestling techniques similar to glima can be found in Icelandic sagas recorded in the 13th-14th centuries. The texts describe fights based on balance control and special holds — traditions that later formed the basis of the modern format. By the 19th century, glima had its first standardized rules.
Three main styles were established:
Hryggspenna — “body hold,” a more powerful style;
Löggspenna — classic sports glima with belts (the basis of modern tournaments);
Brókartök — the historical form mentioned in the sagas. Since then, the structure of the fight has remained virtually unchanged — it is one of the most consistent European martial arts.
Glima has the status of a national sport.
Glima is one of the disciplines that Icelandic government agencies support as part of the country’s cultural heritage, along with Icelandic sagas, ancient crafts, and Norse mythology. The technical characteristics of the Glima style are based on the principles of correctness, control, and balance.
Key elements include:
the fight is conducted only in a standing position;
wrestlers use special leather straps attached to their belts and thighs.
The goal is to throw your opponent off balance and make them touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet.
The emphasis is on technique rather than weight or physical strength.
The rules minimize injuries, keeping the sport accessible to a wide range of athletes.
These features place glima on a par with the most “pure” traditional European styles of wrestling. Contemporary role and global interest In the 21st century, glima has experienced a new wave of attention. It is demonstrated at international ethnic sports festivals, in research programs, and at cultural events in northern countries. Clubs and sections are appearing outside Iceland, from Scandinavia to the United States.
The growth in interest is due to:
- the popularity of revived traditional sports;
- the technical spectacle and safety of glima;
- the inclusion of the discipline in Iceland’s cultural programs;
- growing interest in Scandinavian history and the Viking era.
Glima is increasingly seen as a discipline worthy of a permanent place in international ethnic sports tournaments.
Glima is not an archaic relic, but a living national sport recognized by Iceland that has stood the test of time.
Thanks to cultural continuity, state recognition, and modern interest, the discipline is confidently establishing itself in the world of martial arts. Glima is a northern wrestling style with an honest, calm, and restrained character. It is this honesty that makes it modern.
