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

Key Takeaways

• Simply Collect is a UK-based Direct Debit collection tool, ideal for clubs that only need basic payment collection.
• MAAT is a complete gym management platform and mobile app built specifically for BJJ and combat sports gyms.
• For BJJ gyms looking to streamline operations and grow, MAAT offers a comprehensive solution tailored to their needs.

Introduction

Running a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym is fundamentally different from managing a general fitness club.

With rank progression, level-specific classes, and student engagement at its core, a BJJ academy needs more than a basic payment solution.

Many gym owners in the UK and Europe start with Simply Collect, a Direct Debit collection tool, and later discover they need something more powerful.

This article compares Simply Collect and MAAT, helping gym owners understand what each tool offers and why a Direct Debit collector alone may not be enough.

👉 Read about Manifest BJJ’s story: a UK gym that switched from Simply Collect to MAAT and never looked back!

What is Simply Collect?

Simply Collect is a UK-based platform that helps clubs and organizations collect recurring payments through Direct Debit.

Pros:

• Straightforward Direct Debit setup
• Trusted for club-level recurring payments
• Cost-effective for limited needs

Cons:

• Only supports Direct Debit payments
• No belt or progression tracking
• No student app or mobile tools
• No class scheduling or attendance features
• Limited data reporting and gym engagement tools

Simply Collect is a payment collector, not a gym management solution. it's suitable if all a gym needs is to collect recurring fees, but combat sports academies typically need much more.

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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 gym management software and a complete mobile app purpose-built for BJJ, MMA, and combat sports.

Created by martial artists, MAAT offers not just payment processing, but the operational backbone for running an academy.

Key features:

• Belt and stripe tracking integrated with attendance
• Accepts all major payment types: direct debits, cards and digital wallets
• Class scheduling with auto check-in
• Mobile app for students to book, view ranks, and get updates
• WhatsApp-based support
• Leaderboards and gamification features for engagement

MAAT is a full-stack solution designed to help martial arts gyms grow with the tools they actually need.

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"There was lots of money we lost out on that we weren’t aware of,
Simply Collect were the ones chasing people, and they didn’t really tell us."

says Gretel from Manifest BJJ

👉 Read here the full case study: from Simply Collect to MAAT: Manifest BJJ Story

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

1. Belt & Progression Tracking

• Simply Collect: No tracking functionality
• MAAT: Built-in belt and stripe tracking with progress logic

When to choose: Use MAAT if belt tracking is central to your school. Simply Collect lacks this capability entirely.

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2. Payment Processing

• SimplyCollect: Only supports Direct Debit payments
• MAAT: Supports all major payments methods such as credit/debit cards, Direct Debit and Digital Wallets (like Apple Pay)

When to choose: Choose MAAT for flexibility and integration with student experience. Simply Collect is limited to Direct Debit and lacks operational context.

👉 Check this article to understand What is the best payment method for a BJJ Gym

3. Student App & Experience

• SimplyCollect: No student portal or mobile app
• MAAT: Full-featured student app with booking, rank tracking, and updates

When to choose: Choose MAAT for a modern student experience. Simply Collect lacks a student-facing component.

My students love using MAAT

Samuel Hernandez - Mataró BJJ

4. Coach/Admin Usability

• SimplyCollect: Basic admin for payments only
• MAAT: Complete dashboard with scheduling, progress, billing, and alerts

When to choose: MAAT enables coaches to manage operations easily. Simply Collect suits basic payment admins.

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

Jacopo Madaro - Tribe Jiu Jitsu

5. Class Scheduling & Check-Ins

• SimplyCollect: Not supported
• MAAT: Calendar with class-level settings, waitlists, and auto-check-ins

When to choose: Use MAAT if your gym runs classes. Simply Collect has no scheduling capability.

6. Gamification & Engagement

• SimplyCollect: None
• MAAT: Leaderboards, promotion streaks, and competition history

When to choose: MAAT is ideal for boosting retention and community. Simply Collect lacks engagement tools.

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👉 Check out How MAAT’s Leaderboard Keeps BJJ Students Coming Back

7. Migration & Support

• SimplyCollect: Self-managed onboarding
• MAAT: Free migration and WhatsApp-based setup support

When to choose: Choose MAAT for a hands-on switch. Simply Collect has minimal setup assistance.

"Straight away, it’s been a smooth transition"

says Gretel from Manifest BJJ

👉 Read here the full case study: from Simply Collect to MAAT - Manifest BJJ Story

8. Language & Localization

• SimplyCollect: UK-based with limited multilingual UX
• MAAT: Designed for international gyms with multilingual App and support.

When to choose: MAAT fits best for international gyms. Simply Collect is more limited to UK usage.

9. Pricing & Value

• SimplyCollect: Low monthly cost, but limited tools
• MAAT: Transparent pricing with all-in-one functionality

When to choose: Simply Collect comes at a lower price, but it only offers basic Direct Debit payment collection. MAAT provides high value with a fair and transparent pricing giving you everything you need to actually manage and grow a combat sport academy.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose for a BJJ or MMA Academy?

If your goal is only to collect Direct Debit payments with minimal extras, Simply Collect is a basic and functional solution. However, if you're managing a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy and need real operational tools, class scheduling, rank tracking, member apps, and tailored support, MAAT is the clear choice.

Explore how gyms have transitioned in our case studies.

MAAT is trusted by BJJ and MMA gym across all Europe.