Wrestling was the most widespread and most popular sport in Viking Age Scandinavia. It was an important part of Norse society, practiced by males and females of all ages.
Laustak Viking wrestling contains throws, takedowns, sweeps, trips, reaps, pulls, pressure techniques, and grappling on the feet and on the mat. Training in this sport builds strength, stamina, balance, perseverance and a resilient spirit.
Løse-tak glima rules can be found at the bottom of this page.

February 18, 2017

SPORT LAUSTAK by Tyr Neilsen

February 18, 2017/ AVK

Laustak in Norway has changed little since Norse people wrestled for sport in the Viking Age. It is fundamentaly still two opponents agreeing to compete, within a set of rules, where the winner is the one standing out of reach of an opponent who is on the ground.

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 Sport Laustak competition rules, as well as a system for the teaching of Laustak techniques, which includes grading and certification.

In sports halls around Norway, there is regular Sport Laustak training, as well as Laustak competitions at Viking arrangements, and the Norwegian Laustak Championship.

A Sport Laustak contest can range from an exposive finish immediately after starting with a Handsal, or it can be an exciting contest of will, strength, stamina and technique.

The aim in Laustak is to send an opponent to the ground, either by a throw, trip, sweep or pull, but the competition is not over just because an opponent hits the ground first.

If the contestant who initiated the takedown does not get out of reach fast enough, the contestant on the ground can grab them, and continue the competition by pulling, sweeping, tripping, throwing or grappling from the ground.

Laustak is incredibly effective on the ground, where skill, speed, strength, endurance and balance are as important as when the competitors are standing.

Exciting battles ensue when both glima competitors are on the ground, and the fight is to be the first person on their feet and away.

I feel immensely proud to be able to keep this unbroken line from the Viking Age intact, and preserve Laustak 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.

For information about Sport Laustak competition rules, go to this link: https://www.vikingmartialarts.com/laustak/2016/11/22/laustak-competition-rules-by-tyr-neilsen