Best Software for BJJ Academies
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies have specific software needs that generic gym platforms miss: stripe-level belt tracking, attendance-to-promotion milestones, gi vs. no-gi class separation, and a member community that takes progression seriously. Here's what actually works for BJJ schools.
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What BJJ Academies Actually Need
BJJ belt systems are more complex than most martial arts. You have white, blue, purple, brown, and black belts — each with up to four stripes. Promotion criteria varies by instructor, but most academies track a combination of attendance (mat hours), time at rank, competition performance, and curriculum knowledge. Your software needs to handle all of this without forcing you into a one-size-fits-all belt structure.
Beyond belt tracking, BJJ academies typically deal with: gi and no-gi classes as separate tracks, open mat scheduling alongside structured classes, competition teams with separate training schedules, and adult/kids program separation. Your software should handle all of these without requiring workarounds.
Must-Have Features for BJJ
- Belt + stripe tracking (white through black)
- Attendance logging tied to promotion requirements
- Separate gi and no-gi class scheduling
- Open mat management
- Adult and kids program separation
- Family billing for sibling discounts
- Competition team scheduling
Nice-to-Have Features
- ✓Technique curriculum tracking by belt level
- ✓Competition results logging
- ✓Instructor time tracking and payroll
- ✓Uniform/gi inventory management
- ✓Online self-defense course delivery
- ✓Parent portal for kids students
Our Top Picks for BJJ Academies
🥇 Zen Planner — Best Overall for BJJ
From $99/month · 30-day free trial
Zen Planner is the most widely used software among BJJ academies for a reason: its belt and stripe tracking system was built for the complexity of grappling arts. You can define custom promotion requirements for each belt level, track individual stripe progression, set attendance thresholds, and automate promotion notifications when a student qualifies. No other platform handles the BJJ promotion workflow as cleanly.
Beyond belt tracking, Zen Planner handles gi/no-gi class separation, open mat scheduling, family billing, and has inventory management for selling gis and gear through your academy. The member portal lets students see their own belt progression and attendance history — which is a great tool for motivating consistent attendance.
Try Zen Planner Free🥈 Kicksite — Best Value for BJJ Schools
From $79/month · 14-day free trial
Kicksite is the best choice for BJJ academies that want solid belt tracking at a lower price point. Its belt system handles standard BJJ progression well — stripes, belt levels, promotion history — and the interface is cleaner and faster to learn than Zen Planner. For a newer BJJ academy or one carefully managing overhead, Kicksite covers the essentials without the higher monthly cost.
The main limitation vs. Zen Planner: Kicksite's attendance-to-promotion milestone tracking is less granular. If your academy has strict, complex promotion criteria, you'll want Zen Planner. If your promotions are more instructor-driven and attendance is a rough guide rather than a hard requirement, Kicksite is perfectly adequate.
🥉 WellnessLiving — Best for Multi-Program BJJ Schools
From $99/month · Free demo
WellnessLiving makes sense for BJJ academies that also offer fitness conditioning, yoga, or other wellness programs. If you're running a facility where BJJ is the anchor program but not the only offering, WellnessLiving's multi-discipline support and advanced marketing tools create value that Zen Planner doesn't match.
BJJ Software FAQ
What BJJ academies use Zen Planner?
Thousands of BJJ academies across the US use Zen Planner, including many affiliated with major teams. It's the most common choice for mid-size to large academies (50+ active students) due to its belt tracking depth and business reporting tools.
Does BJJ software track stripes separately from belts?
Yes — good BJJ software like Zen Planner and Kicksite tracks stripes independently from belt level. You can record when a student earned each stripe, set requirements for stripe promotion, and see a complete history of their progression.
Can I use a free app to manage my small BJJ academy?
See our dedicated page on free martial arts software options. For very small academies (under 20 students), free or near-free tools can work for basic billing. But as soon as belt tracking and family billing become important, budget $79–99/month for a proper platform.