Choosing martial arts software isn’t the same as choosing general gym software. Dojos and academies run on belt systems, trial programs, family memberships, grading cycles, private lessons, and instructor-led progression, not just class bookings.
Spark and MyStudio have long been staples in the martial arts space. Recess is newer, but was built with a different philosophy: modern infrastructure, fewer paid gates, and workflows designed around how martial arts schools actually operate today.
Below is a clear, accurate breakdown of how these platforms compare on the features that truly matter.
Full CRM (Students, Families, Instructors)
Martial arts schools need a CRM that handles:
- Parent + child relationships
- Family memberships
- Attendance history
- Rank and progression context
- Instructor assignments
Recess includes a full CRM as part of the core platform. Student profiles, family relationships, attendance, and membership data all live in one place.
Spark / MyStudio also offer CRM functionality, but deeper CRM tools are typically tied to higher-tier plans or add-ons.
Lead Capture, Conversion & Trial Tracking
Trials and intro lessons are central to martial arts growth. The real question isn’t can you capture leads, but can you track what happens after?
Recess supports:
- Lead capture
- Trial and intro lesson workflows
- Conversion tracking from trial → member
- Automated follow-ups
Spark and MyStudio support lead capture, but conversion tracking and automation are more limited and often require upgrades.
Advanced Sequences & Automations
Martial arts schools rely on recurring cycles:
- Trial follow-ups
- Attendance milestones
- Grading windows
- Inactivity and win-back
Recess includes automation sequences that can be configured around these flows directly inside the platform.
Spark and MyStudio offer automation features, but access and flexibility depend on plan level, and many schools rely on manual processes or external tools.
Email Marketing & Win-Back Messaging
Consistent communication keeps students engaged, especially parents.
Recess includes built-in email (and SMS) tools for:
Trial follow-ups
- Grading announcements
- Missed-class reminders
- Inactive student win-backs
With Spark / MyStudio, email marketing typically comes with usage limits or requires paid add-ons.
Multi-Location Support
Many martial arts businesses grow into:
- Multiple academies
- Satellite kids programs
- Shared instructor teams
Recess supports multi-location setups with centralized reporting and visibility.
Spark and MyStudio also support multi-location businesses, but this functionality is usually reserved for higher-priced plans.
POS System (Uniforms, Gear, Merch)
Retail sales are a meaningful revenue stream for many dojos.
Recess includes a POS system that supports:
- Uniforms and gear
- Merch tied to student profiles
- Integrated payment tracking
Spark and MyStudio support retail, but POS access and depth often depend on plan tier.
Belt Tracking & Gamification
This is one of the most martial-arts-specific requirements.
Recess supports:
- Belt levels
- Sub-levels (e.g. stripes or tabs)
- Progress tracking tied to attendance
- Clear visibility for staff and parents
Spark and MyStudio also support belt tracking, but without the same level of automation and engagement tooling.
Integrated Lesson Scheduler
Martial arts schools schedule more than just group classes:
- Intro lessons
- Private sessions
- Small-group training
Recess includes an integrated scheduler for classes and lessons, tied directly to attendance, payments, and instructor records.
Spark and MyStudio support lesson scheduling, but workflows may be more fragmented depending on configuration.
White-Glove Onboarding
Switching systems is one of the biggest barriers for martial arts schools.
Recess includes white-glove onboarding to help with:
- Student imports
- Program and pricing setup
- Belt structures
- Scheduling
Spark and MyStudio also offer onboarding support, though it may be paid or conditional depending on plan.
Martial Arts Software Comparison (2025)
Here’s a high-level summary of how Recess, Spark, and MyStudio compare across core martial arts workflows.
Legend
- ✅ = Included as part of the core platform
- ⚠️ = Available, but tier-dependent, limited, or add-on based
- ❌ = Not supported as a core workflow
Spark and MyStudio offer many martial arts features, but access is often tiered. Recess includes core workflows without feature gating.
The Bottom Line
Spark and MyStudio are established martial arts platforms and remain solid options for many schools. However, they were built earlier, with feature access often tied to higher pricing tiers.
Recess was built more recently, with:
- Martial arts workflows as a starting point
- Fewer feature gates
- A modern, all-in-one architecture
- Core tools available without constant upgrades
For schools looking for a platform that handles the full student lifecycle, from first trial to advanced ranks, in one system, Recess offers a compelling alternative.
