| General Information |
Ristynės is a folk wrestling tradition from Lithuania. The wrestlers put one hand under the opponent’s armpit and the other on the opponent’s hand. In order to win, the participants have to lift and throw the opponent on the ground three times or throw the opponent on his back three times (Karys 2016). Although the sport is male dominated like other duelling sports, historical sources show women have been known to participate as well (Respublika Sportas 2012). |
| History/Development |
The Lithuanian wrestling style was born in the rural areas was a leisure activity for locals. Former military recruits by the Russian empire may have impacted the popularity of wrestling (National Lithuanian wrestling federation at the SETS in 2015). Ristynės was most popular from mid19th century until early 20th century, but interest is returning thanks to demonstrations and wrestling competitions. |
Transmission
(Policies/institutions) |
Recently, attention has been given to traditional wrestling styles in Lithuania with efforts to revive them (Karys 2016; Respublika Sportas 2012). It is still performed at local fairs and holiday celebrations. |
| Relevant Organisations |
- Lietuvos imtynių federacija / Lithuanian Wrestling Federation
- Šventoji Lithuanian Wrestling Federation
- Lithuanian Alysh Federation
- International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) |
| Additional Materials |
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| References |
- Karys, M. (2016). “Lithuanian Martial Arts – Ristynės”, the Lithuania Tribune.
https://lithuaniatribune.com/lithuanian-martial-arts-ristynes/
- Presentation of the National Lithuanian wrestling federation about overcoming the oblivion at the SETS conference in Vilnius in 2015:
https://www.slideshare.net/SETS_2015/lithuanian-folk-wrestling-ristyns-overcoming-the-oblivion
- Respublika Sportas. (2012). “Sportavo ir senovės lietuviai - turėjo ristynes, ripką”, Respublika.
https://www.respublika.lt/lt/naujienos/sportas/kitos_sporto_sakos/sportavo_ir_senoves_lietuviai__turejo_ristynes_ripka/,print.1 |
