From Simply Collect to MAAT: Manifest BJJ Story
Discover how Manifest BJJ smoothly transitioned from Simply Collect to MAAT gym management software. Learn how MAAT improved payment reliability, grading systems, and member engagement for this growing UK BJJ academy.
From Simply Collect to MAAT: How Manifest BJJ’s Switched with Ease
Introduction
Manifest BJJ is a vibrant and expanding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Rugeley (UK).
Co-directed by Gretel, the academy is committed to both high-quality instruction and a smooth, supportive experience for its members.
As the gym scaled to over 150 members, the team realized their tools needed to scale too.
his is the story of how Manifest BJJ transitioned from Simply Collect to MAAT and why that change has transformed the way they operate.
Before MAAT: Life with Simply Collect
Before adopting MAAT, Manifest BJJ relied on Simply Collect for Direct Debit processing.
While it covered basic payment needs, it offered little beyond that. The academy still used physical attendance cards for grading, a cumbersome process as student numbers grew and, even worse, some members would cancel their Direct Debit without notice, leaving the team unaware and resulting in lost income.
"There was lots of money we lost out on that we weren’t aware of"
says Gretel.
"Simply Collect were the ones chasing people, and they didn’t really tell us."
The Breaking Point
The real turning point came when member cancellations started disrupting cash flow more seriously.
The lack of visibility and control created serious financial unpredictability. When payments could be cancelled silently, it became impossible to forecast monthly revenue reliably, a risk that no growing gym can afford.
This kind of instability puts strain on cash flow, planning, and even staffing.
Gretel explains
"People were cancelling their Direct Debits and not giving us the full 30 days' notice.
As a business, that can have a massive impact if lots of people do this all at once."
This financial unpredictability, coupled with the grading management bottleneck, signaled it was time for a better solution.
👉 Want to know the best payment method for a BJJ gym? Check out this article!
Why They Chose MAAT
MAAT stood out for several reasons:
- Built for BJJ: Includes belt and stripe grading workflows.
- Real-time payment tracking: See who’s paid, who hasn’t.
- App-based sign-ups: Easy onboarding for new members.
- Training suspension: Automatically blocks training if payments are missed.
- Engagement tools: Leaderboards and IBJJF-based progression.
- Direct support: Quick updates and changes from the MAAT team.
"The grading system is really, really good"
Gretel explains.
"There’s also a leaderboard which helps keep people motivated."
👉 Interested in how MAAT’s leaderboard helps improve student retention? Check out this article!
👉 Learn more about Manifest BJJ here
Before the Migration: Apprehensions
Like many gym owners, Manifest BJJ had concerns: would the data transfer correctly? Could the team learn a new system quickly?
With over 150 members to migrate, the stakes felt high.
"It’s been a big transition, as it would be trying to move over 150 members"
says Gretel.
"But the app is really user-friendly."
After the Migration: Smooth Sailing
Despite initial concerns, the switch was smoother than expected.
MAAT’s support team handled much of the heavy lifting, guiding Manifest BJJ through the setup and onboarding.
"Straight away, it’s been a smooth transition"
says Gretel.
MAAT team provided close and consistent support throughout the migration process, from answering questions on WhatsApp to ensuring all member data was imported correctly, their involvement gave Manifest BJJ peace of mind.
"They were super responsive and always available when we needed them,"
Gretel adds.
"It felt like they were part of our own team during the transition."
A New Era with MAAT
Now, the academy checks payment statuses regularly and follows up directly.
"Now I find it much easier when I come to sign people up."
says Gretel.
MAAT has enabled Manifest BJJ to implement the belts and stipes grading system for kids, monitor arrears in real-time, and motivate students through interactive features.
The result? More operational control, higher student accountability, and a system that grows with the gym.
"We’re really, really pleased with it. If those are the things you’re looking for,
I highly recommend speaking to the team at MAAT"
says Gretel.
Conclusion
Manifest BJJ’s journey shows that switching from an outdated payment system doesn’t have to be stressful.
With MAAT, they found not just a tool, but a partner in their growth: from seamless migration to powerful daily features, the platform has become integral to their academy’s success.
If you’re managing a BJJ or martial arts gym and looking for better control, more engagement, and a team that genuinely supports you, MAAT is worth a serious look.
👉 Ready to see how MAAT can transform your gym? Book a free demo now
Interested in real stories of gyms migrating from other solutions to MAAT?
Check out these articles:
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