GLIMA THE MARTIAL ARTS SYSTEM USED BY VIKINGS

The reason for the Vikings fighting prowess is found in the way they trained both with and without weapons. For combat without weapons, the Norse had developed a martial arts system called Glima.

To be a good fighter and survive the unpredictability of combat, a warrior must know how to defend themselves unarmed against an armed opponent.

The Norse developed Glima, which is a self-defense system that employs throws, blows, kicks, chokes, locks, pain techniques and some weapon techniques. It is comparable with the best martial arts systems from all around the world. The word glíma in Old Norse means “glimpse” or “flash,” which describes the system’s techniques…speed.

The Viking martial art is so named because the methods bring down their opponents with lightening quick moves and tricks using both feet and hands.

This style of combat training helped develop the strength, reflexes, endurance and courage that Viking warriors needed to survive in combat. Glima also builds self confidence and for Norse children, Glima training usually began at around 6 or 7 years of age.

Glima self-defense training was the foundation of a Viking warrior and these techniques are still practiced today in Scandinavia, Europe, North America, and South America.

Glima is so important to Norse society, Thor is also the god of wrestling.

Glima was not just used for self defense and combat, but was also a sport. Wherever Vikings gathered, Glima was a big part of the entertainment. It was the most widespread sport in the Viking Age and there were several variations of Scandinavian folk wrestling, such as: Lausatök, Hryggspenna, and Brokartök.

Glima is practiced by men and women of all ages.

The original Norwegian settlers in Iceland took Viking wrestling and the Glima combat systems with them. The Icelandic populace has taken very good care of their Norwegian heritage, and Glima there is almost unchanged since Viking times.