Virtuagym vs MAAT: Which Gym Management Software Is Better for BJJ and MMA Gyms?

Key Takeaways

• MAAT is purpose-built for BJJ and MMA gyms, offering belt tracking, gamification, and EU-friendly payment features with a streamlined, coach-friendly interface.
• Virtuagym is a versatile fitness platform with workout and nutrition modules, but lacks specialized features for martial arts academies.
• If you're managing a combat sports gym, MAAT provides a more relevant and cost-effective solution, while Virtuagym may suit broader fitness businesses.

Introduction

Managing a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or MMA academy involves more than class schedules and payment processing. These gyms require belt tracking, attendance-linked promotions, and tools designed around martial arts workflows.

This comparison explores MAAT, a software tailored specifically for combat sports gyms, and Virtuagym, a general fitness management platform. We'll break down their strengths across core features to help gym owners choose the right solution.

What is Virtuagym?

Virtuagym is a comprehensive fitness software solution designed for personal trainers, wellness centers, and gyms. It includes features such as workout and nutrition tracking, membership and billing management and fitness-focused mobile app.

Virtuagym is ideal for fitness studios looking to combine member training, diet, and administration into one system. However, it does not natively support martial arts-specific needs like belt progression or skill-level class control.

What is MAAT?

MAAT is gym management software designed specifically for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, and other combat sports academies. Created by martial artists, it focuses on the actual workflows of BJJ and MMA gyms, including: belt and stripe tracking linked to attendance, skill-based class scheduling, leaderboards and gamification and WhatsApp-based support.

MAAT strips away irrelevant features and emphasizes what truly matters for BJJ, MMA and combat sports gyms.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

1. Belt & Progression Tracking

• MAAT: Includes built-in belt and stripe tracking tied to attendance and coach approval.
• Virtuagym: No native support for rank tracking; requires manual workarounds.

When to choose: Choose MAAT if your gym tracks belt ranks and progression milestones. Choose Virtuagym only if your gym does not need rank tracking.

2. Payment Processing

• MAAT: Integrates with Stripe and SEPA for automated recurring billing and student-friendly payments in Europe.
• Virtuagym: Offers payment processing via third-party integrations but setup can be complex.

When to choose: Choose MAAT if you want a streamlined and compliant payment setup for a European martial arts academy. Choose Virtuagym if you already use their supported gateways for fitness business models.

There were just too many settings for configuration and it made our life overly complex

says Simon from Chimp Gym

👉 Check this article to see why this German-based gym switched from Virtuagym to MAAT

3. Student App & Experience

• MAAT: Provides class booking, rank visibility, and WhatsApp notifications in a martial arts-focused mobile interface.
• Virtuagym: Offers workout logging and fitness goal tracking not tailored to martial arts students.

When to choose: Choose MAAT for a student experience designed around combat sports. Choose Virtuagym if your members expect fitness and nutrition tools.

With MAAT we are able to track to track students' progress and to motivate our people

says Simon from Chimp Gym

4. Coach/Admin Usability

• MAAT: Simple dashboard, easy for non-technical staff and volunteer coaches to use.
• Virtuagym: Broader toolset requires more training to operate effectively.

When to choose: Choose MAAT for ease of use in a martial arts setting. Choose Virtuagym if your staff is tech-savvy and needs advanced fitness tools.

5. Class Scheduling & Check-Ins

• MAAT: Supports belt-level scheduling, waitlists, auto-check-ins, and recurring sessions.
• Virtuagym: Class scheduling suited for general group fitness and personal training.

When to choose: Choose MAAT if your classes are organized by belt or experience level. Choose Virtuagym if you run a general fitness studio.

6. Gamification & Engagement

• MAAT: Built-in leaderboards, class streaks, and student progression to boost motivation.
• Virtuagym: Engagement focuses on personal fitness goals.

When to choose: Choose MAAT to increase student motivation through visible martial arts progress. Choose Virtuagym if you prioritize fitness and health tracking.

7. Migration & Trial Experience

• MAAT: Free migration and onboarding with real-time support on Whatsapp.
• Virtuagym: Migration depends on setup complexity and internal resources.

When to choose: Choose MAAT if you want a fast, smooth setup process. Choose Virtuagym if you have IT support and time to configure a broader system.

I can 100% recommend MAAT. It's a must-have for every Jiu-Jitsu gym that wants to make life as easy as possible

says Simon from Chimp Gym

8. Language & Localization

• MAAT: Multi-language App with full local compliance, including GDPR and local payment methods.
• Virtuagym: International reach but not specialized for martial arts academies.

When to choose: Choose MAAT if you  require localized compliance and language support. Choose Virtuagym if your gym operates globally across fitness sectors without specific localization needs.

9. Support Experience

• MAAT: Responsive support via WhatsApp by combat sports practitioners.
• Virtuagym: Offers standard support not specialized in martial arts operations.

When to choose: Choose MAAT if you prefer support from people who understand your gym’s daily needs. Choose Virtuagym for broader fitness business assistance.

10. Pricing & Value

• MAAT: Transparent pricing starting from €49/month + transaction fees.
• Virtuagym: Quote-based pricing that can vary significantly with added features.

When to choose: Choose MAAT for predictable, cost-effective pricing. Choose Virtuagym if you require multiple fitness-focused modules and can invest more.

Final Verdict: Which Software Should You Choose?

If you're running a fitness club with nutrition tracking and personal training programs, Virtuagym might be a better fit. But for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA academies, MAAT is clearly the superior choice.

With martial arts-specific tools, localized payments, and unmatched usability for coaches and students, MAAT delivers everything a combat sports gym needs to thrive.

Ready to see MAAT in action?

Book a free demo and discover why more BJJ and MMA gyms are switching.

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