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

Key Takeaways

• MAAT and NEST are both gym management systems designed to support martial arts and combat sports academies.
• NEST is a UK-based platform that combines gym management tools with business mentoring, insurance, and marketing, best suited for traditional martial arts schools.
• MAAT is a European platform built specifically for BJJ and MMA gyms, offering belt tracking, a wide variety of payment methods and a mobile-first student experience.

Introduction

Choosing the right gym management software is a critical decision for any combat sports academy.

Whether you're running a fast-growing BJJ school or a structured MMA gym, the tools you use can impact everything from belt promotions to member retention.

In this article, we take a closer look at MAAT and NEST, two platforms built for martial arts environments, so you can decide which is the best fit for your academy’s style, size, and future plans.

What is NEST?

NEST is a UK-based management platform that goes beyond software, offering a comprehensive package that includes business consultancy, marketing support, insurance, and software tools.

It has served many traditional martial arts schools looking for operational guidance as much as digital infrastructure.

What is MAAT?

MAAT is a software solution purpose-built for BJJ, MMA, and other combat sports academies.

Designed by BJJ practitioners, it focuses on student progression, European payment systems, and intuitive mobile experiences tailored to the realities of running a combat sports gym.

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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

1. Belt & Progression Tracking

• MAAT: Designed specifically for belt and stripe tracking with automated eligibility based on attendance data.
• NEST: No native support. Progress must be tracked manually or via external systems.

When to choose: Choose MAAT if belt and stripe progression is integral to your academy’s structure. Choose NEST if rank tracking is not essential or can be handled outside the system.

2. Payment Processing

• MAAT: Supports SEPA, Credit/Debit Cards, and Digital Wallets.
• NEST: UK-centric card processing with limited Eurozone support.

When to choose: If your gym is based in the UK, NEST may be enough. But MAAT offers a wider variety of payment methods, including SEPA/BACS and Digital Wallets, that work seamlessly for gyms both in and outside the UK.

3. Student App & Experience

• MAAT: Offers a mobile-first experience with class bookings, rank tracking, and leaderboards.
• NEST: Offers basic web-based student portals without gamification.

When to choose: Choose MAAT if your students expect mobile usability and motivation tools, NEST may be enough if your students are used to simpler digital experiences.

4. Coach/Admin Usability

• MAAT: Offers all the administrative and business features gym owners need, but with a more intuitive, modern interface.
• NEST: Provides a broad set of business tools, but with a more technical and complex interface best suited for users with experience in traditional systems.

When to choose: Choose MAAT if you want comprehensive features without the learning curve. Choose NEST if you're already used to more technical admin software.

5. Class Scheduling & Check-Ins

• MAAT: Allows for belt-level tagging, auto-check-ins, and advanced waitlist features.
• NEST: Provides traditional scheduling with basic check-in functionality.

When to choose: Choose MAAT if class structure varies by skill or belt level. Choose NEST if you use a fixed class schedule with simple attendance tracking.

6. Gamification & Engagement

• MAAT: Includes gamified elements like leaderboards, belt journeys, and engagement stats.
• NEST: Focused on business metrics, without student-facing engagement tools.

When to choose: Choose MAAT if student motivation and retention are a priority. Choose NEST if your focus is on administrative performance metrics.

7. Language & Localization

• MAAT: Multilingual platform supporting English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, and Italian, plus full EU compliance.
• NEST: English-only system tailored to the UK market.

When to choose: Choose MAAT if you operate across multiple languages or EU countries, NEST may be enough if your business is UK-only and English-speaking.

8. Support Experience

• MAAT: Real-time WhatsApp support by combat sports experts.
• NEST: Scheduled support and training delivered through traditional channels.

When to choose: Both offer great support experiences. Choose MAAT if you prefer instant help from BJJ-savvy staff who understand your gym’s day-to-day. Choose NEST if you’re comfortable with scheduled calls and formal processes.

9. CRM & Marketing

• MAAT: Does not include a traditional CRM or lead acquisition system but provides multiple tools to boost student engagement and retention.
• NEST: Offers a CRM and marketing automation suite, though the interface can feel clunky and dated.

When to choose: Choose MAAT if your focus is on keeping current students engaged. Choose NEST if you require a full lead acquisition system and don’t mind a heavier interface.

10. Pricing

• MAAT: Transparent pricing starting at 49/month plus a small fee per transaction (1% + Stripe fees), which can be passed to students

• NEST: Pricing starts at £50/month but rapidly increase: gyms with 100 students typically pay £197.64/month, and gyms with 200 students around £392.05/month. Above 200 students, pricing is bespoke and provided on request.

When to choose: Choose MAAT if you want transparent, affordable pricing and you're focused on features that support student retention and engagement. NEST is more expensive, primarily due to its broader suite of features, including CRM and marketing automation, which are often unnecessary for BJJ gyms that prioritize keeping current students active rather than focusing heavily on lead generation.

Final Verdict: Which Software Should You Choose?

If your academy is a traditional martial arts school based in the UK looking for comprehensive business support, NEST may meet your needs.

But if you're running a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or MMA gym MAAT is the perfect solution, offering dedicated features, localization, and an experience built for combat sports from the ground up.