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1club Raises €2.2M to Build the Future of Sports Software
Company NewsIndustry Insights
October 1, 2026

1club Raises €2.2M to Build the Future of Sports Software

Sports deserve better software, and 1club is building it. The AI-native platform for sports clubs, gyms, and studios has raised €2.2 million in seed funding from LAUNCHub Ventures and BrightCap Ventures. Already trusted by businesses in more than 40 countries and over 10 sports, 1club will invest in product, AI, and international growth to make being active part of everyday life.

Miro Miroslavov
Miro Miroslavov
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Best Kicksite alternatives for martial arts
Martial arts
September 25, 2026

6 Best Kicksite Alternatives for Martial Arts Schools (2026)

The best Kicksite alternatives for martial arts schools in 2026 are 1club, Martialytics, PushPress, Zen Planner, Spark Membership, and Gymdesk. 1club is the strongest all-round pick: it adds what Kicksite lacks, a native member app, AI, self-service booking, and two-way messaging, plus a free plan for up to 100 active members. The others suit grading-led, app-first, established, or marketing-led schools.

Martin Kirov co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer
Martin Kirov
Best Zen Planner alternatives for martial arts
Martial arts
September 24, 2026

6 Best Zen Planner Alternatives for Martial Arts Schools (2026)

The best Zen Planner alternatives for martial arts schools in 2026 are 1club, Kicksite, Martialytics, Spark Membership, PushPress, and Gymdesk. 1club is the strongest all-round pick: native belt and rank tracking, family billing, scheduling, and AI insights in one platform, with a free plan for up to 100 active members and no processor lock-in. The others suit dojo-specific, grading-led, or marketing-led schools.

Martin Kirov co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer
Martin Kirov
3 girls practicing at a martial arts dojo
Martial arts
July 17, 2026

The Best Ways to Track Student Attendance in a Martial Arts School (2026 Guide)

Martial arts schools track attendance in several ways: paper attendance cards, front-desk sign-in sheets, tablet kiosks, QR codes, mobile-app check-in, and full school-management software. The best method depends on your size and on how much you want attendance to do for you. For most schools, digital check-in tied to each student's profile is the most reliable, because it turns attendance from a record into an early warning system for the students who are about to quit.

Deyan Peev - software engineer at 1club
Deyan Peev
Gym owner looking at 1club member retention data
Running a gymGymYogaMartial artsPilatesRacket Sports
July 10, 2026

How to Improve Gym Member Retention in 2026

To improve gym member retention, focus on the first 90 days, when most members decide whether to stay. Onboard everyone with a clear plan, track attendance to spot who's drifting, and reach out before they cancel. Build community through group classes and milestones, keep billing reliable so payments don't fail silently, and act on feedback. Small, well-timed touches keep members coming back.

Martin Kirov co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer
Martin Kirov
Kids at martial arts practice
Martial arts
July 3, 2026

How to Choose a Martial Art: 7 Steps to Find Your Fit

Start with your goal. Want high-energy fitness and striking skill? Look at Muay Thai, Karate, or Taekwondo. Want practical self-defense through leverage and control? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Krav Maga fit better. Want structure and tradition? Judo, Aikido, and traditional Karate emphasize discipline and long-term progression. From there, weigh your physical situation, your schedule, and a trial class before committing.

Martin Kirov co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer
Martin Kirov
Martial arts dojo with people in practice
Martial arts
February 26, 2026

Best Martial Arts Management Software 2026: 10 Platforms Compared

The best martial arts management software in 2026 depends on your school’s size, budget, and how much admin you want to hand off. Most schools need attendance tracking, belt progression, automated billing, and family accounts in one platform. 1club is one of the ten platforms below, and we make it, so weigh our placement accordingly. It is built for small and mid-sized schools and is free for up to 100 students, with no card needed.

Martin Kirov co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer
Martin Kirov

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