Top 7 Best Martial Arts Software for Dojos and Academies (2026)

You got into martial arts to teach. You want to pass on discipline, technique, and tradition. You don’t want to spend your evenings dealing with tuition spreadsheets and chasing down late tuition payments.

Running a martial arts school shouldn't feel like this. And in 2026, there are plenty of martial arts school software available to handle most of your administrative work for you.

Features such as smart booking, payment processing, and attendance tracking can manage your growth while you teach and guide your students.

But which martial arts software is the best option? How do you compare features? Let’s compare the top 7 martial arts software options on the market to see which tools are worth the investment.

Looking for the best martial arts software for your dojo? Pembee is purpose-built for activity providers who need powerful booking, attendance, and payment tools without enterprise complexity. Start your 30-day free trial and see why instructors are making the switch. Try Pembee Free for 30 Days

Why Purpose-Built Software Matters for Martial Arts Schools

Choosing martial arts management software isn't like choosing a scheduling tool for a generic business. Your school likely has specific needs that platforms designed for spas, salons, or even general fitness gyms simply don't understand.

Based on how martial arts schools actually operate, there are tools and features that you need to look for as you browse the top options.

• Family Account Management: Multi-student households need a member portal, unified billing, shared payment methods, payment tracking, and sibling discount automation without requiring complex manual setups.
• Flexible Program Structures: Term enrollments, drop-in sessions, trial packages, and membership hybrids must coexist in the same system.
• Class & Appointment Management: Class management features such as flexible class size, check-ins and check-outs, student profile at one click, email communications, help instructors streamline the teaching preparation process and focus on student engagement.
• Attendance-Based Insights: Understanding which students are falling off, which classes are overcrowded with automated reporting, and which instructors drive retention helps you manage proactively, not reactively.
• Predictable Costs: Revenue percentage fees punish success. When your marketing works and enrollment grows, your software costs shouldn't spike disproportionately.
• Marketing on Autopilot: Automated lead nurturing following a free trial, integration with email marketing tools, and search engine optimization features help increase your customer conversion and engagement.
• Belt Progression Tracking and Belt Management: Software should understand time-in-rank requirements, attendance-based criteria, and skill prerequisites – not treat rank like a membership tier.

When you find the best dojo management software for your business, you'll be able to efficiently manage the unique needs of multi-student households. So let’s take a look at some of the top options on the market in 2026.

At A Glance: Top 7 Martial Arts Software Compared

1. Pembee: The Flexible Class Management Specialist

Pembee approaches martial arts management differently than legacy platforms and makes the entire online sales & booking process smooth from the start.

Rather than overwhelming you with features you'll never use, Pembee focuses on what you need to run your classes. You get flexible registration, intelligent attendance tracking, easy-to-use interfaces, and payment processing that doesn't nickel-and-dime you.

But what makes Pembee particularly well-suited for martial arts schools is that the system is built knowing that not every student follows the same path. Some sign up for term-based programs, others want drop-in sessions. Families often need sibling discounts and shared accounts.

Pembee handles all of these without requiring a ton of setup and upkeep, which is great for martial arts organizations looking to teach rather than manage.

Pembee’s Key Features

• Customizable Registration Forms: Create booking forms that capture exactly what you need without forcing students to fill out irrelevant fields designed for fitness gyms.
• Flexible Pricing Models: Whether you run term enrollments, ongoing subscriptions, single sessions, or class bundles, Pembee adapts to your business model rather than forcing you into predetermined structures.
• Self-Service Management: Students and parents can manage their own bookings and cancellations, dramatically reducing the administrative overhead of handling routine requests manually.
• Integrated Payment Processing: Stripe integration supports all major payment methods, automatically retries failed payments, and offers one-click refunds.
• Live Attendance Registers: Replace paper sign-in sheets with digital registers that update in real time and export to CSV or PDF when needed.

Pembee Pricing

Pembee's Standard plan starts at $45/month, including up to 5 admin users and a 0.59% application fee for Stripe payments.

The Premium plan at $105/month adds waitlist management, automated cart recovery, other marketing features and unlimited admin users.

Both plans include a 30-day free trial with no credit card required.

What Users Are Saying

"We chose Pembee because their pricing structure was very competitive, and the service & support offered were far better than other systems."

"It has been so much easier to book new customers and manage current customers. It has been a time saver."

Who is Pembee Best For?

Pembee is excellent for studios running multiple programs with varied pricing structures. You have all the tools you need to run your entire operation. You can combine kids' classes with adult sessions, offer trial packages alongside memberships, or manage family enrollments across disciplines.

If your current system forces workarounds for every non-standard scenario, Pembee's flexibility is worth exploring.

2. GymDesk

GymDesk emerged from a gym owner’s frustration with existing software, and that origin story shows in every feature.

Unlike platforms designed for general fitness, GymDesk was specifically designed for combat sports gyms (particularly wrestling, BJJ, MMA, and traditional martial arts).

The result is software that actually speaks your language, and one that has many of the features most need in a booking tool

GymDesk Key Features

• All-Inclusive Feature Access: Every pricing tier includes the complete feature set. However its monthly price is linked with member counts so can get expensive as your studio grows.
• Combat Sports Specialization: Built-in roster management, competition tracking, and belt progression tools designed for how martial arts schools actually operate.
• Integrated Website & Shop: Website builder and online store included at no additional cost, eliminating the need for separate platforms.
• Marketing Automation: Comprehensive email and SMS marketing with automation workflows that rival enterprise solutions, included in all plans.

Gymdesk Pricing

• MicroGym (up to 50 members): $75/month
• Small Gym (up to 100 members): $100/month
• Medium Gym (up to 200 members): $150/month
• Large Gym (200+ members): $200/month

What Users Are Saying

"Member profile management is thorough, rank and program management is great, contract setup is really simple, and the interface is easy to navigate."

"We loved the presentation and explanation of the product by the agent. It fit our needs and price was great."

Where GymDesk Shines

The practitioner-founded design means features exist because actual dojo owners requested them, not because a product manager thought they'd look good on a sales sheet.

For owner-operated studios where the head instructor also manages operations, this authenticity translates to fewer frustrations.

Common Pain Points

Some users report that the website builder can downgrade image quality, and the family-plan pricing setup isn't as intuitive as it could be.

If you're primarily looking for marketing reach rather than operational efficiency, the smaller brand presence compared to Mindbody might be a consideration.

Who is GymDesk Best For?

Combat sports academies, particularly BJJ, MMA, and wrestling, where the instructor is actively involved in management and wants software designed by someone who understands the mat, not just the market.

3. Kicksite: The Simplicity-Focused Solution

Kicksite has built its reputation on one core promise: making martial arts management accessible.

For school owners who've been burned by complicated software before, or who simply don't have time to become IT experts, Kicksite's approach is refreshingly simple.

The platform covers all the essentials without burying them under layers of complexity. What you see is what you get, and for those who want to make the most of their classes, that’s often enough.

Key Features

• Student-Based Pricing: Transparent tiers based on active student count, making costs predictable and budget-friendly for smaller schools. However, the price can increase substantially as you scale.
• Full Feature Access: Every plan includes complete functionality. No "upgrade to unlock" frustrations.
• Belt Tracking: Specialized tools for Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, Karate, Muay Thai, and other disciplines with customizable rank structures.
• Lead Capture: Customizable landing pages and forms integrated directly into your website for capturing prospect information.

Kicksite Pricing

• 0-25 students: $49/month
• 26-50 students: $99/month
• 51-100 students: $149/month
• 101+ students: $199/month

Annual prepayment discounts are available.

What Users Are Saying about Kicksite

"Kicksite has truly been a godsend. I love the fact that it does so much on its own. My favorite thing is how easy it is to create reports for staff and for the clients."

"I like Kicksite mainly because of ease of use. It's intuitive and makes sense. The onboarding was superior to any that I've experienced in the past."

Where Kicksite Shines

When you look at the reviews of Kicksite, you’ll find that customer service consistently receives praise. For school owners who value having human support when questions arise, Kicksite's responsive team is a genuine differentiator.

Common Pain Points

The simplicity that makes Kicksite accessible also means less sophisticated automation compared to platforms like Zen Planner.

Users have noted limitations with the point-of-sale system and some workflow inefficiencies when navigating between the billing and student management sections.

Who is Kicksite Best For?

Small to medium studios (under 100 students) prioritize straightforward software over advanced automation. This tool may be excellent for first-time software adopters or schools transitioning from manual systems who don't want a steep learning curve.

4. Martialytics

Martialytics sticks out from the others on this list in one crucial way: they publicly call out the hidden fees other platforms bury in fine print. It offers many of the same features and tools that others on this list have, but leans a bit heavier into the value sell.

Founded by martial arts instructors, Martialytics focuses on essential functionality without the bloat that drives up costs on competing platforms.

Their pricing page explicitly addresses the 1-6% revenue charges and payment processing markups that can turn a "$99/month" subscription into a much larger expense.

Key Features

• True Cost Transparency: Volume-based pricing that actually decreases per student as you grow, with leads and inactive students tracked free.
• Belt & Ranking System: Comprehensive progression tracking with promotion management tailored to martial arts traditions.
• Simple Interface: Designed for instructors who aren't technicians, prioritizing usability over feature count.

Martialytics Pricing

Starting at $69/month for 50 active students, with volume-based discounts as your school grows. No revenue percentage fees, and no payment processing markups beyond standard rates.

What Users Are Saying

"It is so simple to use, even our Instructors who aren't technically minded can navigate and use Martialytics. From maintaining student records through to billing, recording gradings and attendance... Martialytics does it all."

"Ease of use. Unlike other Martial Arts software I tried, Martialytics is a breeze to learn and use."

Where Martialytics Shines

If predictable costs matter to your business planning, Martialytics delivers. You'll know exactly what you're paying without surprises when processing a promotion or running a successful marketing campaign.

Common Pain Points

The smaller user base means fewer community resources compared to established platforms.

Some users note limitations when their school grows past 200 members, and that advanced marketing automation isn't as robust as that of larger competitors. One reviewer specifically mentioned the lack of a mobile app as a convenience limitation.

Who is Martialytics Best For?

Budget-conscious studio owners who prioritize predictable costs and transparent billing over extensive feature sets. Excellent for startups and growing schools wanting to avoid revenue-sharing models that penalize success.

5. ABC Glofox

Glofox (now ABC Glofox after acquisition by ABC Fitness) has carved out its niche with one clear advantage: mobile experience.

Their branded apps for iOS and Android consistently receive praise for polish and usability, giving your studio a professional digital presence that rivals much larger franchises.

For growth-focused studios where member engagement and retention are priorities, Glofox's approach centers on meeting students where they already spend their time—on their phones.

Key Features

• Mobile-First Design: Superior app experience that lets students book classes, manage payments, and receive notifications through a branded interface carrying your studio's identity.
• Performance Tracking: Instructor efficiency metrics and class satisfaction monitoring to identify what's working and what needs attention.
• Real-Time Analytics: Track attendance patterns, booking preferences, and peak times to optimize your schedule.

Glofox Pricing

Glofox doesn't publish transparent pricing, so you'll need a custom quote based on your business. Market positioning and reviews suggest plans starting around $110/month, with pricing scaling up based on features and member count.

What Users Are Saying

"Simplicity of the onboarding process and the product itself... so far so good, the whole process has been thorough and the software is easy to use."

"Customer support has been poor at best. I've been trying to cancel my subscription... and it took a month before I received a confirmation."

Where Glofox Shines

The mobile app quality genuinely stands out. For studios where students expect the same digital polish they get from consumer apps, Glofox delivers a premium experience that can differentiate your brand.

Common Pain Points

Support quality receives mixed reviews, with some users reporting slow response times and unresolved issues.

The opaque pricing model means you won't know true costs without a sales conversation. Several reviewers mention price increases that don't correlate with improved functionality.

Who is Glofox Best For?

Growth-focused studios with established budgets willing to invest in premium engagement tools, particularly those targeting tech-savvy members who expect polished mobile experiences. Less ideal for studios prioritizing transparent, predictable costs.

6. Zen Planner

Zen Planner has been in the martial arts software space long enough to develop genuinely sophisticated features.

For established schools with complex operations, Zen Planner's comprehensive approach can automate workflows that would require manual workarounds on simpler platforms.

Key Features

• Martial Arts-Specific Workflows: Belt tracking with time-in-rank requirements, skill prerequisites, and automated promotion readiness notifications.
• Flexible Scheduling: Organize classes by belt rank, skill level, or age group with real-time updates across all platforms.
• Automated Billing: Recurring payments, membership renewals, and self-service billing management.

Zen Planner Pricing

Starting at $99/month for 0-45 members, scaling to approximately $169/month for schools with 150 students. Additional costs for branded apps and advanced features.

What Users Are Saying

"You can tell this software was designed for martial artists. One of my favorite things you can do is designate belt rankings to students, and design your system in a way that when a student is ready to test for the next belt... Zen Planner notifies you."

"Zen Planner constantly develops new bugs and glitches in the software. The system is slow, crashes often, and critical components (like online registration) are constantly breaking down."

Where Zen Planner Shines

The depth of martial arts-specific automation is genuinely impressive. For schools that invest time in proper setup, the belt progression and testing management features can eliminate hours of manual tracking.

Common Pain Points

The learning curve is significant. Multiple reviewers mention interface issues, with one noting it makes navigation less intuitive. Support quality receives mixed reviews, particularly for billing-related issues during cancellation.

Who is Zen Planner Best For?

Established studios with 75+ students requiring comprehensive automation and willing to invest significant time in learning a robust system.

Multi-instructor academies with complex scheduling needs can benefit most from Zen Planner's depth – but smaller schools may find it overkill.

7. Mindbody

Mindbody is the 800-pound gorilla of fitness management software. Their consumer marketplace – the Mindbody app – provides exposure to millions of potential students searching for fitness experiences. For studios prioritizing discovery over cost efficiency, this reach is unmatched.

However, Mindbody wasn't built specifically for martial arts. It serves yoga studios, salons, spas, and wellness centers with the same platform, which means martial arts-specific needs may require workarounds.

Key Features

• Marketplace Exposure: Access to Mindbody's consumer app with millions of active users searching for fitness options.
• Advanced Marketing: Customer referral programs, feedback tools, and automated campaigns with sophisticated targeting.
• Point of Sale: Integrated retail and merchandise sales for schools selling equipment, uniforms, or supplements.

Mindbody Pricing

• Starter: $159/month (basic features)
• Accelerate: $279/month (advanced reporting, email campaigns)
• Ultimate: $499/month (referral programs, feedback tools)
• Ultimate Pro: $699/month (automated campaigns, branded app)

Critical Note: Mindbody also charges 23-25% revenue share on promoted intro offers, plus additional payment processing fees. A studio selling 20 intro offers at $65 each would pay $260 in fees on that alone – not included in the monthly subscription.

What Users Are Saying

“When considering the major areas like Value, Ease of Use, Features, Payment Processing, User Interface, and Support, Mindbody scores high.”

"I've used MBO for years and it is the bane of our existence. Monthly membership-based Martial Arts and Fitness gyms are in dire need of a better product."

Where Mindbody Shines

If your primary challenge is student acquisition rather than operational efficiency, Mindbody's marketplace reach provides genuine value. Large academies with marketing budgets can leverage the platform's sophisticated tools to scale.

Common Pain Points

Mindbody wasn't designed specifically for martial arts schools, so belt tracking and discipline-specific features require workarounds. The fee structure can significantly increase the total cost of ownership beyond advertised rates.

Who is Mindbody Best For?

Large academies (200+ students) or multi-location franchises prioritize marketing reach over cost efficiency. Not recommended for studios with fewer than 100 students due to the complex fee structure, which makes smaller operations more expensive than specialized alternatives.

Our Verdict? Pembee Shines For Martial Arts Software

The right martial arts management software should feel like hiring a capable assistant. And for most small-to-medium martial arts schools, the sweet spot lies in purpose-built platforms that understand dojo operations without the enterprise complexity or pricing.

Pembee, GymDesk, and Kicksite consistently deliver this balance, with transparent costs and features designed for how martial arts schools actually work. But when you look at features and costs – as well as usability – Pembee stands out as one of the top martial arts programs on the market today.

The best way to understand any platform's actual impact? To experience it firsthand. So it’s vital to take the time to trial and use each option before you make a final decision.

With Pembee's 30-day free trial requiring no credit card, you can immediately see how much time and frustration you'll save – without risking a thing. Your students need you on the mat, not stuck behind a screen fighting with software that doesn't understand your business.

Start Your 30-Day Free Trial Today