Best Martial Arts Software 2026

Finding the best martial arts software for your school depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical requirements. This guide cuts through marketing claims to help you identify which platforms genuinely serve martial arts schools well in 2026.

While we offer martial arts software ourselves, this guide provides honest perspective on what makes software good for dojos—and how to evaluate any platform you consider.

What “Best” Actually Means

There’s No Universal “Best”

Different schools need different solutions:

Small traditional dojo:

• Simple belt tracking
• Basic scheduling
• Affordable pricing
• Easy to use

Large MMA gym:

• Multiple discipline tracking
• Complex scheduling
• Advanced reporting
• Competition management

Multi-location operation:

• Centralised management
• Student transfers
• Consolidated reporting
• Staff permissions

The “best” software is what fits your specific situation.

Core Criteria for Evaluation

Martial arts functionality:

• Belt/rank tracking capability
• Testing and promotion management
• Attendance linked to progression
• Multiple arts support (if needed)

Essential features:

• Student database
• Scheduling and booking
• Payment processing
• Communication tools
• Basic reporting

Usability:

• Intuitive interface
• Mobile accessibility
• Staff training requirements
• Daily workflow efficiency

Value:

• Pricing structure
• Features per pound
• Hidden costs
• Contract terms

Top Martial Arts Software 2026

Best Overall: Purpose-Built Martial Arts Platforms

Software designed specifically for martial arts schools typically offers the best fit for dojo operations.

Key advantages:

• Understand belt systems inherently
• Martial arts terminology
• Grading and testing features
• Community understanding

Leading options:

• Kicksite
• ChampionsWay
• Spark Membership
• MyDojo.Software
• Martial Arts on Rails

Best for Large Schools: Comprehensive Platforms

Larger schools may need more robust feature sets available from general fitness platforms.

Key advantages:

• Extensive feature depth
• Scalability
• Third-party integrations
• Advanced reporting

Leading options:

• Zen Planner
• Mindbody
• WellnessLiving
• Glofox

Best for Budget: Affordable Solutions

Smaller schools or those starting out need functional software without overwhelming costs.

Key considerations:

• Core features present
• Reasonable monthly cost
• No excessive transaction fees
• Ability to grow

Options to consider:

• RhinoFit
• TeamUp
• Gymdesk
• MyDojo.Software

Feature Comparison

Belt/Rank Tracking

Scheduling Features

Billing Capabilities

Pricing Comparison

Prices approximate and subject to change. Always verify current pricing.

Detailed Platform Reviews

Kicksite

Best for: Traditional martial arts schools wanting dedicated features.

Strengths:

• Built for martial arts
• Good belt tracking
• Lead management included
• Reasonable pricing

Weaknesses:

• Interface can feel dated
• Limited customisation
• Smaller development team
• Fewer integrations

Verdict: Solid choice for schools wanting martial arts-specific software at mid-range pricing.

Zen Planner

Best for: Medium to large schools needing comprehensive features.

Strengths:

• Robust feature set
• Strong billing
• Good mobile apps
• Extensive reporting

Weaknesses:

• Higher price point
• Designed for fitness (adapted for MA)
• Learning curve
• May be over-featured for small schools

Verdict: Excellent for schools needing depth and willing to pay for it.

Mindbody

Best for: Schools wanting marketplace visibility and brand recognition.

Strengths:

• Well-known platform
• Discovery marketplace
• Comprehensive features
• Strong integrations

Weaknesses:

• Expensive at scale
• Complex pricing
• Not martial arts-specific
• Feature bloat for simple needs

Verdict: Consider if marketplace visibility matters; otherwise, likely overpriced.

MyDojo.Software

Best for: Small to medium schools wanting martial arts focus at reasonable price.

Strengths:

• Built for martial arts
• Belt and grading focused
• Competitive pricing
• Dojo-friendly terminology

Weaknesses:

• Newer platform
• Smaller ecosystem
• Fewer third-party integrations

Verdict: Good value for schools wanting martial arts-specific features without complexity.

RhinoFit

Best for: Budget-conscious schools needing core functionality.

Strengths:

• Affordable pricing
• Core features present
• Good customer service
• Simple to use

Weaknesses:

• Basic reporting
• Limited martial arts features
• Interface not modern
• Fewer advanced features

Verdict: Solid budget option for schools with simple needs.

Glofox

Best for: Modern gyms wanting polished technology.

Strengths:

• Excellent mobile apps
• Modern interface
• Strong marketing tools
• Scalable

Weaknesses:

• Not martial arts-specific
• Higher pricing
• Limited belt tracking
• May be excessive for traditional dojos

Verdict: Best for MMA gyms wanting premium feel; less suitable for traditional dojos.

How to Choose

Step 1: Define Your Requirements

Must-have features: List features you absolutely need (belt tracking, specific billing needs, etc.)

Nice-to-have features: Features that would help but aren’t essential

Deal-breakers: Things that would rule out a platform (long contracts, high fees, missing critical features)

Step 2: Set Your Budget

Consider total cost:

• Monthly subscription
• Transaction fees on payments
• Setup/migration fees
• Training costs
• Hardware needs

Calculate per-student cost: Monthly cost ÷ student count = cost per student

Step 3: Trial Multiple Options

Most platforms offer free trials. Use them to:

• Set up your actual belt structure
• Enter real student data
• Test billing workflows
• Evaluate daily usability
• Train staff and get feedback

Step 4: Check References

Ask vendors for:

• References from similar-sized schools
• Schools teaching your art(s)
• Schools that switched from what you use now

Questions for references:

• What do you like most?
• What frustrates you?
• How’s the support?
• Would you choose it again?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing Based on Price Alone

The cheapest option may cost more through:

• Lost time with poor usability
• Missing features requiring workarounds
• Poor support when problems arise
• Transaction fees adding up

Over-Buying Features

Don’t pay for capabilities you won’t use:

• Complex marketing automation you won’t set up
• Advanced reporting you won’t analyse
• Integrations with systems you don’t use
• Features designed for different business types

Ignoring the Transition

Consider migration costs:

• Time to set up new system
• Data migration complexity
• Staff training requirements
• Student communication needs

Long-Term Contract Lock-In

Avoid:

• Multi-year commitments
• High early termination fees
• Auto-renewal traps
• Unclear exit terms

Future Considerations

Technology Trends

Watch for:

• AI-powered scheduling and communication
• Improved mobile experiences
• Better integration capabilities
• Enhanced reporting and analytics
• Video and content delivery features

Your Growth Plans

Consider:

• Will this scale with you?
• Can you add locations?
• What happens if student count doubles?
• Are there growth-based pricing increases?

Summary

The best martial arts software in 2026 depends on your situation:

For traditional dojos: Purpose-built martial arts software (Kicksite, MyDojo, ChampionsWay) offers the best feature fit.

For large/multi-location: Comprehensive platforms (Zen Planner, Mindbody) provide needed depth.

For budget-conscious: Affordable options (RhinoFit, MyDojo) deliver core functionality economically.

For MMA/modern gyms: Fitness-focused platforms (Glofox, Zen Planner) offer appropriate features.

Trial before committing. The best software is what you’ll actually use effectively every day.

Try MyDojo.Software

See if our martial arts-focused approach fits your school. Start your free trial and evaluate our belt tracking, scheduling, and billing features with your actual data.