Kicksite vs Zen Planner
Which martial arts school software is right for your dojo or academy?
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Quick Summary
When Kicksite and Zen Planner are compared head-to-head, the dominant theme is cost vs. depth. Kicksite is the more affordable starting point with a gentler learning curve. Zen Planner is the platform you grow into when your school reaches serious scale and needs more powerful tools for managing student progression.
At a Glance
| Kicksite | Zen Planner | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $79–$199/month | $99–$348/month |
| Founded | 2012 | 2006 |
| Users | 8,000+ | 15,000+ |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Kicksite | Zen Planner | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $79/month | $99/month | Kicksite |
| Belt/Rank Tracking | Standard | Advanced | Zen Planner |
| Setup Speed | 1–2 days | 3–5 days | Kicksite |
| Ease of Use | High | Moderate | Kicksite |
| Inventory Management | Zen Planner | ||
| Advanced Reporting | Basic | Advanced | Zen Planner |
| Free Trial | 14 days | 30 days | Zen Planner |
| Martial Arts Community | Strong | Largest | Zen Planner |
When to Choose Each
Choose Kicksite if...
- You want the lowest starting price
- You're a new school that needs to get up and running quickly
- You don't need inventory management yet
- You want a simpler platform with less complexity
- Budget is your primary constraint right now
Choose Zen Planner if...
- You have 100+ students and need serious belt tracking
- You sell uniforms and gear (inventory management required)
- You want advanced reporting on retention and revenue
- You want access to the largest martial arts school community
- You want a 30-day free trial before committing
Our Verdict
This comparison is essentially the inverse of our Zen Planner vs Kicksite review. Kicksite wins on price and simplicity, especially for smaller or newer schools. Zen Planner wins on depth, especially for schools where belt tracking and student milestone management are central to operations. If cost is your primary concern and you're under 100 students, Kicksite is the smart choice.
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Start Free Trial →Frequently Asked Questions
Which should I choose as a brand new martial arts school?
For a brand new school, Kicksite is often the better starting point. It's cheaper, faster to set up, and covers everything you need in year one. You can always migrate to Zen Planner once you grow past 75–100 students and find yourself needing deeper belt tracking or inventory management.