MAAT vs Ashbourne: Which Solution is Better for BJJ and MMA Gyms

Key Takeaways (TL;DR)

• Ashbourne is a UK-based billing and membership CRM system, not a full gym management platform.
• MAAT is an all-in-one gym management app designed specifically for BJJ and MMA academies.
• Coaches using MAAT instead of Ashbourne report saving time, improving student progression visibility, and reducing no-shows.

Introduction

Managing a BJJ or MMA gym means more than collecting membership fees. Instructors juggle belt progressions, class schedules, attendance, and community engagement daily.
While Ashbourne offers solid billing infrastructure for traditional gyms, it lacks the tools combat sports gyms rely on to grow, MAAT, built by BJJ practitioners, brings structure, visibility, and engagement into one platform.

👉Read here Why BJJ Gyms Need More than a Payment Collector

What is Ashbourne?

Ashbourne is a UK-based service offering direct debit collection and CRM functions for gyms. It's widely used for automating payments, bookings, and simple communication.

Pros:

• Reliable direct debit billing (SEPA/BACS)
• Member portal for bookings
• UK-based customer support

Cons:

• Outdated and buggy mobile app experience
• Limited customization options for gym needs
• No native gym management tools
• Reported issues with cancellation handling and communication
• Only supports SEPA/BACS payments; lacks credit card integration

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👉 Check out this article to see why a direct debit collector might not be enough for a BJJ or MMA gym.

What is MAAT?

MAAT is a complete gym management app built exclusively for BJJ and MMA gyms. Created by BJJ black practitioners, MAAT focuses on solving real problems combat sport academies face.

Key Features:

• Belt and stripe tracking with custom logic
• Gamified attendance and leaderboards
• SEPA, credit card, and flexible payment integration
• Student mobile app with rank progress, bookings, and reminders
• WhatsApp-based support and onboarding
• Multilingual interface for EU academies

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

1. Belt & Progression Tracking

• Ashbourne: No progression tools; requires external spreadsheets.
• MAAT: Fully integrated belt, stripe, and skills tracking.
  
  When to choose: Choose Ashbourne if your gym doesn’t use a ranking system. Choose MAAT if belt promotions are integral to your student experience.

2. Payment Processing

• Ashbourne: Handles recurring billing through direct debit (SEPA/BACS only).
• MAAT: Supports Stripe, SEPA, and cards, with flexible refunds and automated invoicing.
  
  When to choose: Ashbourne is solid for SEPA/BACS billing in the UK. MAAT provides more payment flexibility and automation for growing academies.

3. Student App & Experience

• Ashbourne: Booking portal; no gamification or ranking.
• MAAT: Full student-facing app with reminders, attendance, belt tracking, and engagement features.
  
  When to choose: Ashbourne fits if your needs stop at bookings. MAAT offers a full mobile experience that keeps students engaged and accountable.

My students love using MAAT

Samuel Hernandez - Mataró BJJ

4. Coach/Admin Usability

• Ashbourne: Standard dashboard for billing and bookings.
• MAAT: Combat-focused admin panel with real-time belt readiness, class stats, and communication tools.
  
  When to choose: Ashbourne can manage simple admin needs. MAAT is ideal for coaches who need actionable insights and structure.

With MAAT I solved all my academy management problems. Highly recommended

Jacopo Madaro - Tribe Jiu Jitsu

5. Class Scheduling & Check-ins

• Ashbourne: Supports basic calendar and attendance.
• MAAT: Structured timetable, cancellations, capacity limits, and attendance linked to progress.
  
  When to choose: Ashbourne covers basics. MAAT adds smart scheduling that impacts progression and gamification.

6. Gamification & Engagement

• Ashbourne: None.
• MAAT: Leaderboards and attendance-based incentives.
  
  When to choose: Choose MAAT if student motivation and retention matter. Ashbourne doesn’t offer any engagement tools.

7. Migration & Trial Experience

• Ashbourne: Quick setup, but lacks deeper data migration tools from other solutions.
• MAAT: Free migration with dedicated onboarding and support.
  
  When to choose: Ashbourne suits a basic start. MAAT ensures smooth transitions from existing systems.

“Don’t hesitate. Really, don’t worry about it. They helped me not only with the migration but with everything afterward too.”

👉 Read here about Atenea BJJ’ Story

8. Language

• Ashbourne: English-only.
• MAAT: Multi-language App (ENG, IT, ESP, PT, FR, DE)
  
  When to choose: Ashbourne fits English-only gyms while MAAT offers better adaptability for European and multi-cultural academies.

9. Support Experience

• Ashbourne: Higly criticized for late answers and poor cancellation processes.
• MAAT: WhatsApp and email support, fast responses from people who understand BJJ.
  
  When to choose: Ashbourne support may work for standard gyms. MAAT provides hands-on help for combat academies.

The support team at MAAT is amazing.

👉 Read here about Atenea BJJ’ Story

10. Pricing & Value

• Ashbourne: Charges per member and per direct debit.
• MAAT: Clear tiered pricing with all features included. Transparent and scalable.
  
  When to choose: Ashbourne is okay for tight budgets with minimal needs. MAAT offers more long-term value with a full suite of tools.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Ashbourne is a dependable choice if you run a general UK fitness club focused on membership billing but if you're running a BJJ or MMA gym, you need more than a billing partner.

Having a gym managment software for a BJJ or MMA gym it's crucial and MAAT offers a complete solution with belt tracking, class scheduling, student engagement, and payment automation, all in one.

It saves time, improves visibility, and helps build a stronger student community.

👉 Want to simplify your gym’s operations? Book a free Demo with MAAT and see how it transforms your academy.