ClubManager vs MAAT: Which Gym Management Software is Better for BJJ and MMA Gyms

Key Takeaways

• ‍MAAT and ClubManager are both gym management software platforms, but they serve different user bases.
• ClubManager caters to general fitness clubs with features like CRM and access control.
• MAAT is designed for martial arts academies, offering belt tracking, class-level progression, and WhatsApp support.

Introduction

Running a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or MMA gym involves challenges that go beyond managing memberships and class schedules. These academies need tools for belt promotions, attendance analytics, skill-level class access, and real-time student engagement.

Choosing the right software can significantly impact how smoothly your academy runs.

This article compares ClubManager and MAAT, two management platforms with different approaches, to help gym owners decide which one fits their needs.

What is ClubManager?

ClubManager is a UK-based gym management solution used by a variety of sports clubs and fitness centers. It provides tools for:

• Class scheduling and attendance tracking
• Membership billing and invoicing
• Basic customer management and reporting

While ClubManager covers general administrative needs, it was not designed with martial arts workflows in mind.

Pros

• Covers the basic admin tools most gyms need
• Supports recurring billing and attendance logs

Cons

• No built-in belt or rank tracking
• Generic interface not tailored to martial arts
• Lacks student engagement tools

What is MAAT?

MAAT is gym management software created specifically for combat sports academies. Built by martial artists, MAAT focuses on:

• Belt and stripe tracking integrated with attendance
• Skill-level class access and progression insights
• Gamification via leaderboards and competition logs
• Localized EU support, including SEPA payment integrations
• Fast setup and WhatsApp-based support

MAAT bridges the gap between gym admin work and life on the mat, ensuring coaches and students have the tools they need.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

1. Belt & Progression Tracking

• ClubManager: No built-in functionality
• MAAT: Native support for belt and stripe tracking with progression logic
  
  When to choose: Choose ClubManager if rank tracking is managed externally and not a central part of your academy's operations. Choose MAAT if belt progression and attendance-based eligibility are core to your student development model.

2. Payment Processing

• ClubManager: Supports recurring billing and invoicing
• MAAT: Supports all type of payments: Credit/Debit Cards, Direct Debits and Digital Wallets.
  
  When to choose: Choose ClubManager if you require traditional invoicing features and already work with a supported payment gateway. Choose MAAT if you need more flexibility reguard payment methods.

3. Student App & Experience

• ClubManager: Generic interface, not martial-arts-friendly
• MAAT: Purpose-built app for BJJ/MMA, with ranking and booking
  
  When to choose: Choose ClubManager if your students are accustomed to a general fitness app. Choose MAAT if you want to deliver a martial arts-specific digital experience that enhances engagement.

My students love using MAAT

Samuel Hernandez - Mataró BJJ

4. Coach/Admin Usability

• ClubManager: More traditional interface, limited customization for martial arts
• MAAT: Streamlined dashboard designed for BJJ and MMA academies
  
  When to choose: Choose ClubManager if you have an admin team used to legacy systems. Choose MAAT if your team values ease of use and speed for day-to-day martial arts operations.

👉 Read the full case study: From ClubManager to MAAT: The Fighting Arts Academy's Story

5. Class Scheduling & Check-Ins

• ClubManager: Basic calendar and attendance tools
• MAAT: Skill-level class filters, auto check-ins, and waitlist management
  
  When to choose: Choose ClubManager if you offer general fitness classes with uniform structure. Choose MAAT if you run skill-level-based classes and want smart scheduling tied to student progression.

6. Gamification & Engagement

• ClubManager: None
• MAAT: Leaderboards, attendance milestones, competition tracking
  
  When to choose: Choose ClubManager if engagement features are not a priority. Choose MAAT if you want to drive retention and motivation with martial-arts-specific gamification tools.

👉Learn more about this topic at the article "How MAAT’s Leaderboard Keeps BJJ Students Coming Back"

7. Migration & Trial Experience

• ClubManager: Setup varies, typically manual
• MAAT: Dedicated onboarding, free trial, and data migration support.
  
  When to choose: Choose ClubManager if you have IT staff to handle setup. Choose MAAT if you want a hands-off migration experience with guided support.

"We got through it... The guys at MAAT were there to support all the way through, helping even with the annoying questions."

👉 Read the full case study: From ClubManager to MAAT: The Fighting Arts Academy's Story

8. Language & Localization

• ClubManager: UK-centric
• MAAT: Built for European gyms with multi-language App and support (ENG, IT, ES, FR, PT, DE)
  ‍
  When to choose: Choose ClubManager if you're in the UK with simple localization needs. Choose MAAT if you require European compliance or language support.

9. Support Experience

• ClubManager: Traditional support channels
• MAAT: WhatsApp-based support by martial artists
  ‍
  When to choose: Choose ClubManager if you're comfortable with email or ticket-based support. Choose MAAT if you want fast, sport-specific help through WhatsApp from staff who understand BJJ.

"You're not dealing with some big faceless corporation... I'm literally on WhatsApp with the founders, getting tailored support."

👉 Read the full case study: From ClubManager to MAAT: The Fighting Arts Academy's Story

10. Pricing & Value

• ClubManager: Quote-based pricing, limited transparency
• MAAT: Transparent flat pricing with all features included
  ‍
  When to choose: Choose ClubManager if you're part of a larger organization that negotiates custom deals. Choose MAAT if you value simple, predictable pricing and no hidden costs.

Final Verdict: Which Software Should You Choose?

ClubManager may work well for general clubs, but it falls short when it comes to the needs of martial arts academies. MAAT’s combat-sports-first design, intuitive features, and community-focused support make it the top choice for BJJ and MMA gyms in Europe and beyond.

Ready to see MAAT in action?

👉 Book a free demo and experience why more combat sports academies are switching to MAAT.