LAUSTAK HEL TRAINING WEEKEND

The Academy has a tough grading exam for students. It’s extra tough on instructors, with a two day exam taking place outdoors in the forest and hills.

Laustak instructor Bjørn Braathen was preparing to take his next grading, just weeks before going into the Norwegian military, when the Academy was contacted by a US film company who wanted to do a TV documentary about Laustak and Bjørn.

On a cold weekend in march, a film team flew to Norway to film it.

This grading, dubbed ‘Hel weekend’ had ice, snow, sunshine, a group of great students, lots of fun, and Viking martial arts training.

Day 1 had 4 hours of Sport Laustak, indoors, at the beautiful Aesir Academy, where former Norwegian Laustak Champion, John Harald Foss Fjeldbu, was on hand to help with grading.

At the end of the day, several Academy students received diplomas and belts from instructors Lars Gulbrandsen and Bjørn Braathen.

Day 2 had over 4 hours of Combat Laustak outdoors in an area of deep snow and ice. Students went through gruelling striking, grappling, wrestling and weapon techniques, then ended their grading with tough glima matches.

Bjørn’s grading was even tougher, with a punishing finale, where he had a Laustak match with every student, one after the other. with no pause!

Each student fullfilled the grading requirements and recieved their diplomas in Combat Laustak. Bjørn received his new grading level and diploma, certifying him 2nd degree Laustak Instructor.

At the end of the day, bloody, sweaty and in great humor, students made several campfires, cooked and ate tasty food, beside a frozen lake.

Bjørn has won several championships, including: - 80kg Norwegian Laustak Champion (2017, 2018), 3 X Junior Norwegian Laustak Champion (2013, 2014, 2015) and Gudvangen Laustak Champion 2017. Bjørn was also responsible for the 2018 Borre Glima Championship.

Bjørn specialized in sports at Rosthaug Videregående Skole, with Glima as his main subject. This put Laustak into the Norwegian school system for the first time.

The Academy of Viking Martial Arts wishes Bjørn all the best for his military service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqR_DfzIPQM&ab_channel=AVKNorway