ClubManager vs MAAT: Which one to choose for a BJJ gym?
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 BJJ 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 so it doesn't have a built-in belt tracking system, it has a generic interface not tailored to martial arts and it lacks student engagement tools.
What is MAAT?
MAAT is a gym management App built exclusively for Combat Sports academies.
Created by martial artists, it’s designed around how BJJ and MMA gyms actually operate
MAAT focuses on:
Belt & stripe tracking connected to attendance data
Skill-based class access with progression visibility
Leaderboards and competition logs for athlete engagement
Automated recurring payments with built-in failed-payment recovery
MAAT bridges the gap between gym administration and life on the mat and gives coaches operational control while keeping athletes motivated and progressing.
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.
Using ClubManager for payments was a nightmare
says Darius from The Fighting Arts Academy
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.
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.
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.
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."
says Darius from The Fighting Arts Academy
8. Language & Localization
ClubManager: UK-centric
MAAT: Built for international 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.
10. Pricing & Value
ClubManager: Quote-based pricing, limited transparency
MAAT: Transparent 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.
