Anthem Athletics MMA / BJJ Shorts FAQs
Is there a difference between fight shorts, MMA shorts and BJJ shorts?
In most cases, the terms MMA shorts, BJJ shorts, grappling shorts and fight shorts are used interchangeably, but there’s a caveat for some competitions (notably, IBJJF). All shorts should be designed to meet the intense physical requirements and rules for grappling and jiu jitsu, and built with construction methods that will keep you and competitors safe (e.g. no external pockets, no zippers or external hardware). With IBJJF competition, there are additional restrictions placed on the construction, colors and fit of shorts.
Does Anthem Athletics offer BJJ shorts approved for IBJJF competition?
Yes. Most of our BJJ / MMA shorts meet the requirements for IBJJF competition, including both loose fit fight shorts in our Reignite MMA Shorts line (5 inch, 7 inch and 9 inch), as well as our Reignite MMA Compression Vale Tudo shorts line. With the exception of the army color, all shorts with a black base will meet requirements for IBJJF. While competitors are NOT required to wear shorts with their belt rank for IBJJF, if you are selecting a short with a belt color (e.g. blue, purple, brown), be sure that is the correct belt color for you.
I’m new to martial arts. Do I really need specific shorts
for grappling?
Yes and no. If you’re headed to your first class, don’t worry about it. Just grab a pair of workout shorts that you have (e.g. soccer, basketball, etc.), but if you get into bjj training, or grappling consistently, you’re going to want to get at least 1-2 pairs of grappling shorts. Unlike say, basketball shorts, or generic gym shorts, grappling shorts have been specifically designed to meet the rules for no gi jiu jitsu, MMA and other grappling sports. Some of these rules are designed to keep you and your training partners safe (e.g. no external pockets, no zippers, etc.), but our shorts are also designed to withstand the punishment that grappling-focused combat sports will deliver on your apparel. Nothing compares to the pulling, friction, and sweat from combat sports. Standard gym shorts and basketball shorts will not only perform poorly, but they also won’t last very long. Our BJJ shorts are built with tear resistant fabric, special flatlock stitching, heavy duty waistbands, aggressive side slits and dye sublimation – and advanced finishing process to guarantee that logos and artwork never crack or peel. It’s a completely different beast.
Can I use fight shorts for striking sports like Muay Thai and kickboxing?
Yes, our MMA shorts have been optimized for performance in striking martial arts including Muay Thai and kickboxing. Lightweight, tear resistant, moisture wicking fabric with aggressive side slits makes our Reignite MMA shorts an excellent choice for standup training. That being said, some very traditional Muay Thai gyms or boxing gyms may require that student train in Muay Thai specific, or boxing specific shorts. In that case, we recommend one of the models from our Muay Thai / Boxing short collection.
I see there are 5 inch, 7 inch and 9 inch inseams. Which inseam should I get?
Anthem Athletics is one of the few fight brands to offer BJJ shorts in multiple inseams. We do this in order to let athletes really dial in on the fit and look they want.
5 Inch Inseam – will typically fall 3-4 inches above the knee for an average height athlete. A top choice for shorter athletes, those looking for a more modern fit, and / or those who cross-train a lot in striking martial arts (e.g. Muay Thai, kickboxing, MMA).
7 Inch Inseam – will typically fall 1-2 inches above the knee for an average height athlete. Our most popular inseam as it provides a balance of coverage, style and performance.
9 Inch Inseam – will typically fall at the knee for an average height athlete. A great choice for taller athletes, or those looking for additional coverage without sacrificing performance.
Does Anthem Athletics offer wholesale pricing or custom fight shorts for gym owners?
Yes. We’ve recently introduced a wholesale and custom program for fight gyms. If you’re a gym owner and interested in learning more, please contact us at team@anthem-athletics.com.
What makes Anthem Athletics MMA Shorts unique?
Simply put, we make exceptional MMA and BJJ shorts, and we offer them for a reasonable price. We’re biased of course, but we’re not wrong. Every single performance feature, from the lightweight, moisture wicking, ripstop fabric, to dye sublimation that will never crack or peel, to obsession we have with fit for the full spectrum of body types, from XS to 3XL, has been meticulously worked into the very fabric of these shorts. Simply put, you can’t go wrong. Our grappling shorts look great and perform even better.
