LAUSTAK - VIKING COMBAT by Tyr Neilsen

Of the original forms of Viking wrestling, Laustak most closely resembles the close quarters hand to hand battlefield combat of the Vikings, where the aim was to be standing whilst an opponent was down.

Laustak, from the Old Norse word Lousatök, which means Loose-grip/Free-grip, because there was no single compulsary grip or hold in this type of Viking wrestling, but rather the hands can move freely from one grip to another, from one hold to another, and to strikes and grappling.

Laustak as a self-defense and combat system, contains throws, takedowns, strikes, kicks, chokes, locks, pain techniques, and weapon techniques, and is comparable with the best complete martial arts systems from around the world.

As with all martial arts, techniques must continue to develop in order to stay relevant. In order to ensure this, the Norwegian Laustak Federation established a standard for Laustak, with a system for the teaching of Laustak techniques, which includes grading and certification.

Laustak is a powerful self-defense system that focuses on unarmed training at first, then as a student matures, there is training with modern weapons, using safety equipment such as rubber knives and axes, and wooden sticks.

In order to train to protect yourself from a weapon, it is neccessary to train with weapons. By training with weapons, we develop essential skills such as balance, coordination, timing, focus and speed, that we can apply to unarmed combat against a weapon.

Laustak striking is simple and specific. Each strike is aimed at a specific target, with the goal of maximum impact. There are no punches in Laustak, instead we use palm strikes. These can be more devastating than a punch, and there is no risk to damaging your knuckles.

Laustak also specializes in pain techniques, which are used in grappling situations. Thes techniques are incredibly effective, both standing and on the ground, as any Laustak student will attest to.

Laustak is a comprehensive system that will teach you how to defend yourself against armed or unarmed attacks. By training in Laustak, we develop the skills and confidence to defend ourselves in all situations.

In Norway, we train indoors with mats and safety equipment, but we also regularly train Combat Laustak outdoors, year round, in all weather, sun, wind, rain and snow. Just as our ancestors did.

I feel immensely proud to be able to keep this unbroken line from the Viking Age intact, and preserve Viking wrestling techniques so they can be handed over to the next generation. It is an honor to be able to sustain this unique part of the Viking heritage that goes back over a thousand years.

Hávamál - verse 58

Get up early and fight
for what you want
before others take it
A lazy wolf
gets no meat
the sleeping get no victory.