One of the first questions martial arts club owners ask when evaluating management software is: "How much does it actually cost?"
The answer isn't always straightforward. Pricing varies widely depending on the platform, your club size, and which features you need. In this guide, we provide a transparent breakdown of gym management software pricing in the UK for 2026.
Pricing Overview: What to Expect
Most gym management platforms charge a monthly subscription based on features or member count. Here's a quick overview of what UK clubs typically pay:
| Platform | Starting Price | Mid-Tier | Enterprise | Free Trial? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ClubForge | £39/mo | £129/mo | £349/mo | ✅ 14 days |
| Coacha | £29/mo | £49/mo | Custom | ✅ Free plan |
| Gymdesk | $99/mo (~£79) | $149/mo | $199/mo | ✅ 30 days |
| Zen Planner | $117/mo (~£93) | $217/mo | $317/mo | ✅ |
| Kicksite | $59/mo (~£47) | $99/mo | $149/mo | ✅ 14 days |
| Mindbody | $139/mo (~£110) | $279/mo | $499/mo | ❌ |
What's Included at Each Price Point?
Budget Tier (£29–£50/month)
At this level, expect basic features: member database, simple scheduling, and payment collection. Belt tracking and advanced features are usually limited or unavailable. Coacha and Kicksite fall into this range.
Mid-Range (£50–£130/month)
This is where most martial arts clubs find the best value. Platforms like ClubForge (from £39/mo) and Gymdesk offer comprehensive features including belt progression, attendance tracking, member portals, and integrated payments.
Enterprise (£150+/month)
Enterprise-tier pricing is typically for multi-location chains, franchise operations, or clubs needing advanced automation, API access, and custom integrations. Zen Planner and Mindbody operate primarily at this level.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Transaction fees — Some platforms charge a percentage on top of Stripe/payment processor fees. Check whether your platform adds a surcharge to each transaction.
- Setup fees — A few platforms charge one-time setup or onboarding fees. ClubForge has zero setup fees.
- Contract lock-in — Some platforms require annual contracts. Look for month-to-month options with the ability to cancel anytime.
- Currency conversion — US-priced platforms will cost you more due to exchange rates and potential bank conversion fees.
- Add-on features — Features like SMS marketing, advanced reporting, or custom branding are sometimes charged separately.
Is Free Gym Software Worth It?
Some platforms offer free plans, but they come with severe limitations: restricted member counts, no belt tracking, limited scheduling, and often display the platform's branding on your member-facing pages. For a professional martial arts academy, the £39–£129/month investment in proper software pays for itself through saved admin time, reduced payment chasing, and better member retention.
The Bottom Line
For UK martial arts clubs, ClubForge's pricing offers the best value: martial arts-specific features (belt tracking, grading, attendance) at a price point designed for real club operators, not enterprise chains. Start with the Starter plan at £39/month and scale as you grow.