Zen Planner vs Jackrabbit
Which martial arts school software is right for your dojo or academy?
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Quick Summary
Zen Planner and Jackrabbit often appear in the same search results for martial arts schools, but they serve fundamentally different audiences. Zen Planner is built for martial arts; Jackrabbit is built for gymnastics and dance. This comparison explains the key differences that matter for martial arts school owners.
At a Glance
| Zen Planner | Jackrabbit | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $99–$348/month | $45–$225/month |
| Founded | 2006 | 2004 |
| Users | 15,000+ | 7,000+ |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Zen Planner | Jackrabbit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $99/month | $45/month | Jackrabbit |
| Belt/Rank Tracking | Advanced | None | Zen Planner |
| Martial Arts Focus | Dedicated | Gymnastics/Dance | Zen Planner |
| Skills Tracking | Advanced MA | Gymnastics skills | Zen Planner |
| Class/Session Management | Tie | ||
| Family Billing | Excellent | Jackrabbit | |
| Recital/Event Tools | Jackrabbit | ||
| Martial Arts Community | Dominant | None | Zen Planner |
When to Choose Each
Choose Zen Planner if...
- Martial arts is your primary business
- Belt and rank tracking are central to your operations
- You want a platform designed for martial arts schools
- You want access to the martial arts software community
Choose Jackrabbit if...
- You run a gymnastics or dance studio that incidentally offers martial arts
- You want a lower starting price
- Recital and competition event management is important
- Your primary student base is recreational children's programming
Our Verdict
Zen Planner wins for martial arts schools — it's purpose-built for the industry with proper belt tracking, attendance milestones, and a martial arts community. Jackrabbit wins for gymnastics academies and dance studios that also happen to offer martial arts as a secondary program. If martial arts is your primary offering, Zen Planner is the clearly superior choice.
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Start Free Trial →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jackrabbit work for martial arts schools?
Jackrabbit can handle the billing and scheduling basics for a martial arts school, but it lacks belt tracking and rank management entirely. It's built for gymnastics and dance. Martial arts schools using Jackrabbit typically outgrow it quickly once they need proper belt promotion management.