Kicksite vs Spark Membership
Which martial arts school software is right for your dojo or academy?
Affiliate Disclosure: MartialArtsSoftware.io may earn a commission when you purchase software through links on this page. This doesn't affect our editorial scores or rankings — we evaluate every tool independently. Read our editorial standards →
Quick Summary
Kicksite and Spark Membership both target martial arts school owners who want more than generic gym software. The fundamental difference is pricing model: Kicksite charges by student tiers, while Spark Membership charges a flat rate. This makes the cost comparison entirely dependent on your school size — and the break-even point is around 100 active students.
At a Glance
| Kicksite | Spark Membership | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $79–$199/month | $149/month flat |
| Founded | 2012 | 2015 |
| Users | 8,000+ | 3,500+ |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Kicksite | Spark Membership | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $79/month | $149/month flat | Kicksite |
| Pricing Model | Tiered by students | Flat rate | Spark Membership |
| Belt/Rank Tracking | Tie | ||
| Attendance Tracking | Tie | ||
| Lead Management CRM | Tie | ||
| Trial Class Funnels | Advanced | Spark Membership | |
| Text Messaging | Tie | ||
| Online Booking | Tie | ||
| Family Accounts | Tie | ||
| Contracts & eSign | Tie | ||
| White-Label App | Add-on | Spark Membership | |
| Referral Tracking | Basic | Advanced | Spark Membership |
| Customer Support | Phone + Chat | Chat + Email | Kicksite |
When to Choose Each
Choose Kicksite if...
- You have fewer than 80 active students and want lower costs
- You want phone support from a martial arts-specialized team
- You need robust belt tracking tied to attendance
- You want a proven platform with 8,000+ martial arts schools
- You want a longer track record (2012 vs 2015)
Choose Spark Membership if...
- You want predictable flat-rate billing regardless of school size
- You have 100+ students and per-student pricing would cost more
- You want advanced trial class funnel optimization
- You want referral tracking built into the platform
- You're interested in a white-label branded app
Our Verdict
Kicksite wins on pricing flexibility and breadth of features for its cost. Spark Membership wins on simplicity and a predictable flat-rate pricing model. If you're a school that values knowing exactly what you'll pay every month regardless of student count, Spark Membership's flat $149/month is compelling. If you want more feature depth at a potentially lower cost for smaller schools, Kicksite is the smarter choice.
Try Zen Planner Free for 30 Days
The #1 rated software for martial arts schools. No credit card required.
Start Free Trial →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spark Membership more expensive than Kicksite?
It depends on school size. For schools under 80 students, Kicksite can be cheaper. For schools over 100–120 students, Spark Membership's flat $149/month beats Kicksite's tiered pricing. Do the math based on your current enrollment before committing.
Does Spark Membership have good belt tracking?
Spark Membership includes belt/rank tracking for standard disciplines. It's comparable to Kicksite's system — both cover the basics well. Neither matches Zen Planner's depth for complex multi-stripe systems, but for most schools they're sufficient.
Which is better for converting trial students: Kicksite or Spark?
Spark Membership has more sophisticated trial funnel automation, including automated follow-up sequences and built-in referral tracking. If converting intro students to paying members is your primary concern, Spark's toolset is slightly more advanced.