What is BJJ gym software?
The Complete Management Platform for BJJ Academies
Running a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy involves unique challenges that generic gym software simply cannot address. From tracking stripe promotions through the intricate IBJJF belt system, to managing competition teams, to coordinating open mat sessions alongside structured classes—BJJ schools need purpose-built technology.
This comprehensive guide examines everything you need to know about BJJ gym management software: the essential features for BJJ-specific operations, how belt progression tracking works, pricing considerations, and how to choose the right platform for your academy.
Why BJJ-Specific Software Matters:
- Generic gym software doesn't understand gi vs. no-gi class distinctions
- Traditional martial arts software lacks competition team management
- Standard systems can't track IBJJF stripe promotions
- General platforms don't handle multiple class types (fundamentals, advanced, drilling, competition)
Essential Features for BJJ Academies
1. IBJJF-Compliant Belt System
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) defines specific progression paths for adults and children. Your software must support:
Adult Belt Progression:
- White → Blue → Purple → Brown → Black
- 4 stripes per belt (except black belt)
- Minimum time-in-grade requirements
- Age restrictions for certain promotions
Children's Belt System:
- White → Gray → Yellow → Orange → Green
- Transition to adult system at age 16
- Different stripe requirements
2. Stripe Management
Unlike other martial arts, BJJ uses stripes to mark incremental progress between belt colors:
- Track individual stripe awards with dates
- Automatic notifications when students qualify for next stripe
- Visual stripe displays in student profiles
- Instructor notes for each stripe promotion
- Photo documentation of promotions
3. Class Type Management
BJJ academies typically offer multiple class formats:
- Fundamentals Classes: Basic techniques for white/blue belts
- Advanced Classes: Complex techniques for purple+ belts
- Competition Training: Intense sparring and strategy
- Open Mat: Unstructured training time
- Drilling Sessions: Technique repetition focus
- No-Gi Classes: Training without traditional gi
- Kids Classes: Age-specific programs
Your software must handle:
- Different pricing for class types
- Capacity limits per class
- Eligibility restrictions by belt level
- Gi vs. no-gi designation
BJJ Industry Statistics 2026
Key metrics showing the growth and scale of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
BJJ continues rapid growth globally
With consistent training 3-4x per week
Automated engagement improves retention
Varies by location and competition training availability
4. Competition Team Management
For academies with competitive athletes, robust competition features are essential:
Tournament Tracking:
- Upcoming tournament registration
- Weight class monitoring
- Registration fee processing
- Team transportation coordination
Competition Records:
- Win/loss records by competition
- Submission types achieved
- Points scored
- Medal/trophy tracking
- IBJJF ranking points
Team Scheduling:
- Competition-specific training sessions
- Strategy planning sessions
- Weight cutting guidance scheduling
- Video review sessions
5. Private Lesson Coordination
Many BJJ practitioners supplement group classes with private instruction:
- Instructor-specific scheduling
- Different pricing tiers per instructor
- Private lesson packages
- Technique focus tracking
- Progress notes per session
Compare key features across leading BJJ management platforms
| Feature | MyDojo | Competitor A | Generic Gym Software |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBJJF Belt System | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Stripe Tracking | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Competition Records | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Private Lesson Booking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gi/No-Gi Class Management | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Team Scheduling | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Monthly Price | £79 | £99 | £59 |
Implementation for BJJ Academies
Setting Up Your Belt System
Step 1: Configure Belt Requirements
- Set minimum mat time for each belt
- Define stripe requirements
- Configure age restrictions
- Set instructor approval requirements
Step 2: Import Existing Students
- Current belt levels
- Promotion history
- Stripe dates
- Competition records
Step 3: Establish Testing Process
- Testing frequency (quarterly, bi-annual, etc.)
- Evaluation criteria
- Instructor assignment
- Fee structure
Step 4: Train Your Instructors
- How to award stripes in system
- Recording promotion criteria
- Adding technical notes
- Viewing student readiness
Class Structure Setup
Membership Tiers:
- Fundamentals Only (white/blue belts)
- All Classes Access
- Competition Team Membership
- No-Gi Specific
- Unlimited (all programs)
Scheduling Considerations:
- Peak times (early morning, lunch, evening)
- Weekend open mat availability
- Competition team training windows
- Kids program hours
Pricing Considerations
Common Pricing Models
Per-Student Pricing:
- £1-3 per active student per month
- Scales with academy growth
- Predictable per-member cost
Flat-Rate Pricing:
- £50-200 per month regardless of student count
- Predictable budgeting
- Better for larger academies
Tiered Plans:
- Basic: Core features, limited students
- Professional: Full features, unlimited students
- Enterprise: Multi-location support
Hidden Costs to Consider
- Payment processing fees (2-3%)
- SMS notification credits
- Additional staff accounts
- Competition module add-ons
- Mobile app access
Related Resources
Understanding BJJ progression enhances your software evaluation:
- BJJ Belt Order Complete Guide — Comprehensive breakdown of IBJJF belt system
- BJJ Blue Belt Guide — What it takes to achieve blue belt
- Martial Arts Software Overview — Compare BJJ vs. other martial arts software needs
- Dojo Management Software — Broader management platform comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
BJJ gym software is a specialized management platform designed for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies. It handles student databases with IBJJF belt tracking, stripe management, class scheduling, competition records, membership billing, and attendance—specifically tailored for BJJ instruction rather than generic gym management.
BJJ gym software typically costs £50-200 per month depending on your student count. Most platforms use per-student pricing (£1-3 per active student) or tiered plans. MyDojo offers flat-rate pricing with unlimited students starting at £79/month.
Yes, dedicated BJJ software includes IBJJF-compliant belt progression tracking from white through black belt, stripe management (4 stripes per belt), promotion history with dates, time-in-grade calculations, and automatic eligibility notifications for testing.
Yes, most BJJ software includes competition management features: tournament registration tracking, weight class monitoring, competition records (wins/losses/submissions), team scheduling for competition-specific training, and IBJJF ranking points tracking.
Yes, students can book regular classes, open mat sessions, private lessons, and seminars through the member portal or mobile app with real-time availability, capacity management, and automatic reminders.
BJJ-specific software understands gi vs. no-gi class distinctions, IBJJF belt progression with stripes, competition team management, multiple class types (fundamentals, advanced, drilling, competition), and BJJ-specific terminology and workflows that generic gym software cannot replicate.
Yes, BJJ software handles private lesson scheduling with instructor-specific calendars, different pricing tiers per instructor, private lesson packages, technique focus tracking, and individual progress notes per session.
Yes, comprehensive BJJ software supports both the adult belt system (white→blue→purple→brown→black) and children's system (white→gray→yellow→orange→green), with automatic transition to adult system at age 16 and proper age restrictions for promotions.
BJJ software handles automated recurring billing for monthly memberships, private lesson packages, competition team fees, and testing fees. It supports credit card processing, direct debit, cash payments, and family discounts. Failed payment handling with automatic retry logic and notification sequences keeps revenue flowing while maintaining good member relationships.
Yes, modern BJJ software includes mobile apps or responsive web portals where members can view their current belt/stripe status, attendance history, class schedules, competition records, private lesson bookings, and technique notes. Push notifications remind them of upcoming classes, open mat sessions, and promotion opportunities.
Transform Your BJJ Academy with Purpose-Built Software
Generic gym software forces you to adapt your BJJ academy's unique needs to their inflexible structure. Purpose-built BJJ software adapts to your academy's specific requirements—from IBJJF belt compliance to competition team management.
Ready to see the difference? Start your free trial and experience software designed specifically for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies. No credit card required, unlimited students, 14-day trial.