Simply Collect vs MAAT: Which to Choose for Your BJJ Gym?
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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 - MatarĂł 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.
👉 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 BJJÂ or MMAÂ 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.
