Glíma is a traditional form of wrestling that has evolved from the Viking settlers in Iceland. It is unique in the way that wrestlers must remain upright, have a fixed grip on a belt around the opponent’s waist and constantly maintain movement. This motion reminds one slightly of a waltz due to its elegance; the critical difference, however, lies in the mutual attempts of both athletes to throw each other out of balance. The Icelandic word glíma means wrestling in general, but it is also used as the name for the Icelandic national wrestling style. Therefore in the Icelandic language it is sometimes needed to stress that it is in fact the Icelandic national wrestling, Íslensk glíma, that is being referred to. In sources outside Iceland Glíma can be found in different contexts that may have very little in common with Icelandic Glíma wrestling. Therefore the most accurate unambiguous English translation would be Icelandic Glíma wrestling or Icelandic wrestling. However for a versed audience the Icelandic name, Glíma, is enough. There are historical claims that suggest different definitions of what glima should be and how it was practiced. But for the last one hundred years Icelanders have been practicing this form of wrestling, evolved it into a modern competition driven sport and made it the national sport of Iceland.
On December 15, 1888, the first glima competition was held in Reykjavík, organized by the Glímufélagið Ármann Sports Association. The hard core consisted of about 30 young Icelanders who were passionate about this ancient and noble discipline. Since 1906 the competition has become annual, and since then the winner wears the silver Grettisbeltið belt in recognition. The promoter is an enthusiast from Akureyri, Jóhannes Jósefsson. For this reason, the first editions will be held in the northern capital and participated in only by local athletes. From 1908 the event moved to the capital Reykjavík and took the name Skjaldarglíma Ármanns. The fights attracted more and more spectators, and sports associations practicing it flourished throughout the island. The height of popularity was reached in 1912 when glyima participated in the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games as a demonstration discipline. Icelanders were invited all over the world for what were true wrestling shows, as you can see in this film shot in Sweden in 1932:
Glímusamband Íslands
Engjavegi 6
104 Reykjavík
Netfang: gli@glima.is
Sími: 779-1324
