Best Martial Arts Management Software in 2026: 10 Platforms Compared

Running a martial arts school is demanding. Between teaching classes, tracking student progress, managing belt promotions, and chasing late payments, administrative work can consume hours that should be spent on instruction.

Generic gym software doesn’t understand the unique needs of martial arts schools: belt ranking systems, curriculum tracking, trial class management, and the student journey from white belt to black belt. A good martial arts management system should speak your language.

In this guide, we compare the 10 best martial arts management software platforms available in 2026, with verified pricing, third-party ratings, and screenshots for each one. Whether you run a BJJ academy, MMA gym, karate dojo, taekwondo school, or multi-discipline facility, we’ll help you find the right fit.

If you want to evaluate MatGoat before comparing vendors, the martial arts management software page explains its academy workflow, migration process, supported disciplines, and current plans.

Top picks at a glance

• Best overall for martial arts schools: MatGoat, purpose-built, $40/month, free check-in tablet.
• Best third-party reviews: Kicksite and Gymdesk, both 4.8 stars on Capterra.
• Best free option: PushPress, a real free plan funded by payment processing fees.
• Best for automation-heavy schools: Martialytics.
• Best for large multi-location operations: Zen Planner.

Quick Comparison

All prices are the advertised entry plan, billed monthly, verified on official pricing pages in July 2026. Ratings are Capterra averages at the same date.

*Wodify’s $79 is a July 2026 promotion; the regular Essentials price is $179/month.

**PushPress’s free plan is not free to run: it charges 4.99% plus $0.30 on every card payment and 2.89% plus $0.30 on ACH transfers, the highest processing rates in this comparison.

The price alone doesn’t tell the full story. Several platforms add transaction fees on top of the subscription: BJJLink takes 1% on its entry plan, MAAT adds 1%, and PushPress’s free plan charges 4.99% plus 30 cents per card payment. For a school collecting $8,000 per month, a 1% fee adds $80, which can double the effective cost of a cheap plan.

Third-party reviews skew toward the older platforms, which have had years to accumulate them. Newer tools like MatGoat, BJJLink, MAAT, and Kombat Evolve have little or no Capterra presence yet, so a hands-on trial is the only reliable way to judge them.

1. MatGoat

Best for: Small to mid-size martial arts academies wanting simplicity and purpose-built features.

MatGoat was created by a martial arts practitioner who experienced firsthand the frustration of managing an academy with spreadsheets. The platform is designed specifically for how martial arts schools actually operate.

Key Features

• Attendance tablet option. Students check in with one tap instead of using paper lists.
• Video technique library. Organize technique videos by category and rank level for student access.
• Automated payment management. Track monthly fees, send automatic reminders, and integrate with Stripe, PayPal, or bank transfers.
• Belt progression tracking. Monitor student progress, attendance patterns, and readiness for promotion.
• Participant/observer mode. Mark injured students as observers so they still count as attending without training.

Pricing

Verified July 2026: the Basic plan costs $40/month for up to 50 students and covers check-in, attendance, videos, calendar, messaging, and promotions. The Professional plan at $60/month adds unlimited students and payment management. Both come with a 30-day free trial without a card, a 10% discount on annual billing, and no commission on your payments beyond standard Stripe rates. See MatGoat’s current plans and pricing for live terms.

Reviews

MatGoat is a newer platform and has no Capterra reviews yet. If review volume matters to you, weigh that against the 30-day trial, which lets you validate the workflow with your own classes before paying.

Pros

• Purpose-built for martial arts by someone who trains.
• Lowest paid entry price in this comparison at $40/month.
• Free tablet removes the barrier to digital check-in.
• Simple interface with minimal learning curve.

Cons

• Newer platform compared to established competitors.
• No third-party review track record yet.

Verdict

MatGoat stands out for its focus on what martial arts school owners actually need. The free tablet is a significant differentiator, since most competitors charge extra for hardware. If you run a small to mid-size school and want to stop wasting time on spreadsheets, MatGoat delivers exactly what you need without unnecessary complexity.

See MatGoat’s current offer →

2. Kicksite

Best for: Established martial arts schools wanting a proven, mature platform.

Kicksite has been building martial arts school software for two decades, with features tailored to disciplines from BJJ to Taekwondo and Krav Maga.

Screenshot: kicksite.com, July 2026.

Key Features

• Attendance and belt tracking for multiple disciplines.
• Billing with automated recurring payments.
• Unlimited one-way texting for student communication.
• Lead capture forms and landing pages.
• Member portal and mobile web app.

Pricing

Verified July 2026: tiers scale with student count, from $49/month for up to 25 students, $99 for 26 to 50, $149 for 51 to 100, and $199 above 100 students. Every tier includes all features, and the first 30 days are free. Payment processing runs through its partner Basys at flat rates that Kicksite does not publish. Check Kicksite’s pricing page for current terms.

Reviews

Kicksite holds a 4.8 rating on Capterra across 126 reviews, one of the two best scores in this comparison, with support and value for money both rated 4.9.

“We were able to sign up several students before we even opened.”

Wesley C., Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor, in a GetApp review.

Pros

• Two decades of martial arts specific development.
• 4.8 on Capterra with strong support scores.
• Transparent, tiered pricing with all features at every tier.

Cons

• Price scales quickly with student count: 101 students cost $199/month.
• Web app rather than native mobile apps.
• Payment processing rates are not published.

Verdict

Kicksite’s longevity and review record make it the safest established choice for schools that want a proven martial arts platform. Confirm the current tiers and test whether its workflows fit your organization, because the per-student pricing gets expensive as you grow.

3. Gymdesk

Best for: Schools that want high-touch customer support and comprehensive onboarding.

Gymdesk emphasizes human support and dedicated onboarding assistance, and its review scores suggest customers notice.

Screenshot: gymdesk.com, July 2026.

Key Features

• Member management and attendance tracking.
• Rank/belt promotion tracking with automated notifications.
• Billing and recurring payments.
• Online booking and scheduling.
• Point-of-sale and retail management.
• Website builder.
• Facility access management.

Pricing

Verified July 2026: plans start at $75/month for up to 50 members, then $100 for 51 to 100, $150 for 101 to 200, and $200 for 201 to 400 members, with custom enterprise pricing above that. All plans include every feature, unlimited staff, and a free gym website. The trial runs 30 days without a card. See Gymdesk’s pricing page for current promotions.

Reviews

Gymdesk holds a 4.8 on Capterra across 148 reviews and a 4.8 on G2, matching Kicksite at the top of this comparison.

“Aside from the ability to customize this software to meet our school’s needs, the team is very responsive and always willing to answer any questions we have!”

Nick S., owner and head instructor, in a GetApp review.

Pros

• Dedicated human support from day one.
• 4.8 on both Capterra and G2.
• Data migration support from competitors.
• Integrates with multiple payment processors.

Cons

• Higher starting price than most martial arts specific rivals.
• May have more features than small schools need.

Verdict

If customer support is a priority, Gymdesk’s emphasis on human assistance sets it apart, and its review scores back the claim. The onboarding help is valuable if you’re migrating from another system or are new to management software.

4. Martialytics

Best for: Schools drowning in administrative work who need maximum automation.

Martialytics emphasizes administrative automation. If paperwork is consuming your teaching time, evaluate the workflow against your own baseline during a trial.

Screenshot: martialytics.com, July 2026.

Key Features

• Automated student onboarding with digital waivers.
• Attendance tracking with automated reporting.
• Payment processing with failed payment retry.
• Student progress and grade tracking.
• Branded student app/portal.
• Multi-location management.
• Belt progression and curriculum insights.

Pricing

Verified July 2026: $69/month for up to 50 students, $99 for 51 to 100, $129 for 101 to 200, and $199 above 200. Every plan includes all features with unlimited locations, users, and emails. Payments run at standard Stripe rates with no markup, and the 30-day trial requires no card. See Martialytics’ pricing page.

Reviews

Martialytics holds a 4.7 on Capterra, although across a small sample of 22 reviews, and a 4.8 on G2 with 42 reviews.

“We simply love Martialytics, it has revolutionised our business”

Paul H., karate instructor with more than two years on the platform, in a Capterra review.

Pros

• Strong focus on administrative automation.
• No markup on payment processing.
• Unlimited locations at every tier.
• Direct access to founders for demos.

Cons

• Smaller review base than Kicksite or Gymdesk.
• No public enterprise tier for very large schools.

Verdict

If administrative tasks are eating into your teaching time, Martialytics’ automation focus can free up significant hours. Unlimited locations at every price point also makes it unusually friendly to schools opening a second academy.

5. BJJLink

Best for: Academies that prioritize structured curriculum and lesson planning.

BJJLink positions itself as software built specifically for the Jiu-Jitsu community, but its curriculum features can benefit any martial arts school that values structured teaching.

Screenshot: bjjlink.com, July 2026.

Key Features

• Student management with belt and stripe tracking.
• Class scheduling with automated reminders.
• Curriculum builder with video library integration.
• Billing and payment automation.
• Staff scheduling and payroll tools.
• Mobile apps for students and tablet kiosk mode.

Pricing

Verified July 2026: two flat plans, both with unlimited students. BLACK costs $49/month plus a 1% service fee on payments you process, and CORAL costs $149/month with no service fee. The break-even point sits around $10,000 per month in processed payments, so growing schools should do that math early. The trial runs 30 days without a card. See BJJLink’s pricing page.

Reviews

BJJLink has a Capterra listing but no reviews yet, so plan on judging it through the trial and demo.

Pros

• Curriculum builder is unique among competitors.
• Unlimited students on both plans.
• Designed for martial arts, not adapted from gym software.
• Strong in lesson planning and progression tracking.

Cons

• The 1% service fee on the entry plan grows with your revenue.
• No third-party review track record yet.

Verdict

If curriculum management is a priority for your school, BJJLink offers features other platforms lack. The curriculum builder helps ensure consistent teaching across instructors. Best suited for schools that take structured lesson planning seriously and understand the fee structure.

6. Kombat Evolve

Best for: European academies focused on student retention.

Kombat Evolve was created by a BJJ black belt and focuses heavily on retention analytics to help identify students whose attendance is declining.

Screenshot: kombatevolve.com, July 2026.

Key Features

• Membership and payment automation (Stripe, SEPA, Klarna).
• QR code attendance check-in.
• Belt and stripe progress tracking.
• Early dropout alert system.
• Competition calendar management.
• Retention-focused analytics.

Pricing

Verified July 2026: Starter costs €59/month for up to 100 active members, Growth €79 for 101 to 200, Pro €119 for 201 to 400, and Elite €169 above that. Annual billing saves 20%, every tier includes all features, and the platform takes 0% on payments beyond Stripe’s own rates. The trial runs 14 days without a card.

Reviews

Kombat Evolve has no Capterra or G2 presence yet, which is normal for a young European platform. Evaluate it through the trial.

Pros

• Built by a practitioner who understands martial arts.
• Strong focus on retention and dropout prevention.
• European-first design with GDPR compliance, SEPA, and Klarna.
• No platform fees on payments.

Cons

• Primarily targets the European market.
• Newer platform with a smaller user base and no review record.

Verdict

If retention is your biggest challenge, Kombat Evolve’s analytics might be worth the investment. The dropout alert system helps you intervene before students disappear. Well-suited for European schools needing local payment method support.

7. MAAT

Best for: Multi-discipline combat sports gyms (BJJ, MMA, Muay Thai, Boxing).

MAAT targets the broader combat sports market, making it a fit if your gym offers multiple disciplines. The platform handles BJJ, MMA, Muay Thai, Judo, and Boxing under one system.

Screenshot: maatapp.com, July 2026.

Key Features

• Financial management with analytics dashboard.
• Attendance tracking with belt/stripe promotion notifications.
• Customizable class scheduling and booking.
• Student progress monitoring for kids and adults.
• Mobile app for member bookings.

Pricing

Verified July 2026: one unlimited plan at $59/month billed monthly or $49/month billed annually, with unlimited members and all features included. MAAT adds a 1% transaction fee on top of Stripe’s rates, and the free trial runs 7 days. See MAAT’s pricing page.

Reviews

MAAT has no Capterra reviews yet; its iOS app holds a 4.5 on the App Store across a small number of ratings.

Pros

• Designed for multi-discipline combat sports.
• Simple single-plan pricing with unlimited members.
• Clean, modern interface.

Cons

• The 1% transaction fee adds up for high-volume schools.
• Short 7-day trial compared to 30 days elsewhere.
• No third-party review record yet.

Verdict

If you run a gym with multiple combat sports programs, MAAT provides a unified platform for all of them at a simple flat price. Model the 1% fee against your monthly billing volume before comparing it with flat-fee rivals.

8. PushPress

Best for: Budget-conscious schools or those wanting AI-powered features.

PushPress targets fitness and martial arts facilities, serves more than a thousand martial arts schools, and is investing heavily in AI features.

Screenshot: pushpress.com, July 2026.

Key Features

• AI-powered member management.
• Class scheduling and booking.
• Belt rank tracking system.
• Student progress monitoring.
• Attendance insights.
• Branded mobile app.
• Automated growth tools.

Pricing

Verified July 2026: the Free plan costs $0 with unlimited members and staff, scheduling, waivers, and attendance. The catch is the processing rate: 4.99% plus 30 cents on every card payment and 2.89% plus 30 cents on ACH transfers, the highest rates in this comparison. Pro costs $159/month and cuts card processing to 2.89% plus 30 cents, and Max at $229/month brings it to 2.75%. A school running $5,000/month through cards pays roughly $250 in fees on Free versus about $145 plus the subscription on Pro. See PushPress pricing.

Reviews

PushPress holds a 4.7 on Capterra across 184 reviews and a 4.8 on G2 with 169 reviews.

“Learning to use this by using chat AI and customer service took no time at all.”

Tim N., gym owner, in a GetApp review.

Pros

• Real free tier with unlimited members.
• Large platform with proven scale and strong reviews.
• AI features for proactive business monitoring.
• Staff includes current and former gym owners.

Cons

• Free plan processing fees get expensive as revenue grows.
• Originally designed for CrossFit, adapted for martial arts.
• Belt testing workflows are less deep than martial arts native tools.

Verdict

PushPress’s free tier makes it the obvious starting point for a school with more time than budget. Run the processing-fee math as you grow, because at higher revenue the paid tiers or a flat-fee competitor become cheaper.

9. Wodify

Best for: Hybrid fitness/martial arts facilities.

Wodify built its reputation in CrossFit but has expanded to serve martial arts, yoga, and other fitness verticals. If you run a hybrid facility with both fitness and martial arts programs, its all-in-one approach might simplify operations.

Screenshot: wodify.com, July 2026.

Key Features

• Automated billing and payment processing.
• Class scheduling and appointment management.
• CRM with lead capture and nurturing.
• Member mobile app with progress tracking.
• Two-way SMS and email messaging.
• AI-powered at-risk member prediction.
• Multi-location management.
• Custom dashboards and reporting.

Pricing

Verified July 2026: the Essentials plan is advertised at $79/month per location under a promotion running through July, with a regular price of $179/month. Accelerate and Ultimate tiers require a demo for a quote, an onboarding fee applies, and card processing starts around 2.6% plus 25 cents. See Wodify’s pricing page.

Reviews

Wodify holds a 4.5 on Capterra across 154 reviews and a 4.7 on G2.

Pros

• True all-in-one platform.
• Strong mobile app for members.
• AI-powered retention predictions.
• Independently owned.

Cons

• Regular pricing is among the highest in this comparison.
• Upper tiers and total cost require a sales conversation.
• CrossFit heritage means martial arts is not the primary focus.

Verdict

Wodify makes sense if you run a hybrid facility or want everything in one platform. The CrossFit DNA means martial arts specific features may not be as refined as dedicated software, and the jump from promo to regular pricing deserves attention before you commit.

10. Zen Planner

Best for: Large, multi-location martial arts organizations.

Zen Planner, now part of Daxko, targets the established end of the market. If you run multiple locations or a large operation, the platform is built for scale.

Screenshot: zenplanner.com, July 2026.

Key Features

• Enterprise-grade member management.
• Multi-location support.
• Advanced reporting and analytics.
• Integrated website and marketing tools.
• Staff management and scheduling.
• Franchise management capabilities.

Pricing

Verified July 2026: the Studio plan starts at $99/month, tiered by active member count, with the full feature set at every level. Extensions add up quickly: a website costs $99/month, the Engage marketing suite $249/month, and a branded app $39/month. Payment processing runs through in-house Daxko Payments at undisclosed rates. See Zen Planner’s pricing page.

Reviews

Zen Planner holds a 4.3 on Capterra across 269 reviews, the largest review base among martial arts capable platforms here, and a 4.2 on G2.

“Zen Planner is a great tool for fitness studios/business to manage their companies and promote their services.”

Amber S., business administrator, in a GetApp review.

Pros

• Built for scale and multiple locations.
• Largest review base in this comparison.
• Established platform with years of development.
• Strong franchise support.

Cons

• Lowest average rating among the reviewed platforms here.
• Add-ons push the real monthly cost well past the $99 base.
• Less martial arts specific than dedicated alternatives.

Verdict

Zen Planner suits large operations that have outgrown simpler solutions. If you’re running multiple locations or processing hundreds of members, enterprise features become necessary. Smaller schools will find better value and higher-rated support elsewhere.

Best software by discipline

Different arts stress different workflows, and the right pick often follows your curriculum structure.

• BJJ academies. MatGoat and BJJLink lead here: MatGoat for day-to-day academy management with belt and stripe tracking, BJJLink for structured curriculum delivery. Our guide to the best BJJ academy management software covers this niche in depth.
• Karate and taekwondo schools. Testing-heavy programs with kids’ classes need configurable gradings and family billing. MatGoat’s karate software and taekwondo software pages show how it handles rank requirements, and Kicksite’s two decades in traditional martial arts show in its workflows.
• Judo clubs. Kyu and dan progressions plus competition calendars matter most; see judo software for how MatGoat models them.
• MMA and multi-discipline gyms. One student often trains in three programs, so cross-program attendance is key. MAAT and MatGoat’s MMA gym software both handle multiple rank systems in parallel.
• Boxing gyms. Rankless programs shift the focus to attendance volume and payments; MatGoat’s boxing gym software page covers that setup, and Wodify fits boxing-plus-fitness hybrids.

Other options we evaluated

Three platforms show up in most martial arts software searches but didn’t make our top 10.

• Mindbody. The biggest name in wellness software, starting around $99/month per location, with a 4.0 on Capterra across roughly 3,000 reviews and a 3.7 on G2. It’s built for spas, yoga, and fitness studios; there is no native belt tracking, and value-for-money scores run low. Established studios with heavy class-pack sales are its real audience.
• Spark Membership. A martial arts focused CRM at $199/month (with a half-price first-year promotion in July 2026). The 5.0 rating on Capterra comes from only a handful of reviews, so treat it as unproven rather than perfect. Worth a demo if you want aggressive sales-funnel tooling built in.
• WellnessLiving. A broad fitness platform from $69/month with a 4.4 on Capterra across 611 reviews. Recurring complaints about cancellation friction and add-on costs, plus the lack of martial arts specific rank tracking, kept it off the main list.

How We Evaluated

We assessed each platform on five criteria:

1. Martial arts specific features. Does it understand belt progressions, curriculum needs, and martial arts workflows?
2. Ease of use. Can you get started quickly, or does it require extensive training?
3. Total cost transparency. Can you understand subscription plus transaction fees upfront, or do you need to talk to sales?
4. Customer support and reviews. What help is available, and what do verified customers say on Capterra and G2?
5. Integration options. Does it work with payment processors and other tools you use?

Pricing and ratings were verified on official vendor pages and review platforms in July 2026. Promotional prices are marked as such, and vendors change terms often, so confirm current numbers before signing.

Choosing the Right Software

Before committing, ask yourself:

• What disciplines do you teach? Some platforms specialize in specific arts, others handle multiple disciplines well.
• What’s your school size? Smaller schools need simpler tools. Enterprise features add cost and complexity.
• What’s your biggest pain point? Attendance tracking? Payments? Retention? Choose software that excels where you struggle most.
• What’s your total budget? Add expected transaction fees to the subscription. A free plan with 4.99% processing can cost more than a $60 flat plan.
• Do you need multi-location support? Single-location schools can use simpler tools. Franchises need enterprise features.

When a vendor offers a trial or demo, use it to see whether the software fits how your school actually operates. Confirm the live terms before committing.

Conclusion

The best martial arts management software depends on your specific needs:

• Best overall for martial arts schools: MatGoat: purpose-built, $40/month, includes free tablet.
• Best reviewed: Kicksite and Gymdesk: both 4.8 on Capterra.
• Best for automation: Martialytics: all features and unlimited locations at every tier.
• Best for curriculum management: BJJLink: unique lesson planning features.
• Best for retention focus: Kombat Evolve: dropout prediction and analytics.
• Best for budget-conscious: PushPress: real free tier, watch the processing fees.
• Best for hybrid gyms: Wodify: all-in-one platform for multiple disciplines.
• Best for large operations: Zen Planner: multi-location and franchise features.

Stop wrestling with spreadsheets and paper sign-in sheets. Choose a platform that understands martial arts and gives you back the time to focus on teaching.

Ready to simplify your school management? See how MatGoat manages martial arts academies.