About EFC

58 Years of Partnership, Growth, and Community

Since 1967, Educational Funding Company (EFC) has been dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with martial arts schools.

Our Story

Picture EFC as a reliable ally, committed to helping martial arts schools flourish. Our goal is not only to facilitate success but also to create a network where schools can connect, share insights, and collectively elevate the martial arts community.

Early in our company's history, we started as Educational Funding Company with a mission to "raise the standards of martial arts." With the help of thousands of committed and service-oriented school owners over 58 years, we believe we've accomplished that, and evolved into the complete growth system schools rely on today.

Network of Success

EFC acts as a facilitator, bridging schools together like a well-knit network. We believe in the power of collaboration and aim to provide a forum for schools to exchange knowledge, fostering a community that thrives on shared experiences.

Tailored Solutions

Every martial arts school is unique. Our system adapts to how you run your school, not the other way around. From custom belt ranks to full visibility, EFC can fit your needs while giving you the complete growth system.

Client Delight

We provide genuine client service and help you deliver exceptional student service. Your success depends on relationships, and we're committed to supporting you every step of the way, from onboarding through every stage of growth.

how EFC has helped Our clients for years

Amir Khorsan

Owner of EWF Martial Arts

Fantastic service! Always working hard for their clients. Includes direct debit collections, management software, marketing, instructor training courses, plus more. Highly recommended.

Wasim Ketchen

Owner of Ketchen Karate

EFC changed my life. It's a great culture, a true martial arts culture. If EFC disappeared tomorrow, it would be like losing a parent, losing your family.

Customer Story

Kevin Blundell

Owner of KRMAS, Australia

Since 2012, EFC helped us grow from $16,450 to over $230,000 in monthly gross income. Their billing, educational programs, and networking are essential. I highly recommend their professional services.

Zulfi Adhmed

Founder & Grand Master of Bushi Ban International

EFC is the godfather of martial arts business. They helped me understand and practice systems, keep statistics, and get cutting-edge technology as well as cutting-edge systems.

Customer Story

Kirsty Dickson

Owner of Reflect CKD

Joining the EFC was the best decision I ever made. They have taken all of the administration out of my hands and freed me up to focus on other areas of the business. Highly recommend!

Kevin & Jamie Laing

Australia

EFC revolutionized our business after years of struggling. The constant support and mentorship have been amazing; we wouldn't be where we are today without their guidance and life-changing industry connections.

Pete McHugh

Owner & Lead Instructor of McHugh Jiu-Jitsu

We've seen a massive improvement in retention since working with EFC, especially because the EFC software is so powerful. Just a little shift in retention pays huge dividends over the years.

Customer Story

Gary Excell

Owner of Muscliffe Karate Academy

Muscliffe Karate Academy has been a client since 2001. They've helped me grow my school with innovative ideas and practices. They are always quick to respond and it is a company of the highest integrity.

Tom Kupa

Owner of Kupa International, New Zealand

EFC’s assistance with lead generation and student conversion is invaluable. Having step-by-step resources and coaching from knowledgeable staff has made differences in our success.

Jim Bundy

Owner & 3rd Degree Black Belt of Team Bundy Jiu-Jitsu

Our culture came from EFC. The culture in most martial arts schools, whether you realize it or not, came from EFC.

Customer Story

Chris Pritchard

Owner of PMA

Their billing services simplified my finances, and the software is user-friendly yet comprehensive. EFC’s excellent support truly sets them apart—a game-changer for my martial arts school.

Kevin Docherty

Australia

EFC’s professional team has provided top-tier support for over a decade. Whether it's software, fee management, or education, they are dedicated to finding new ways to constantly boost our business.

Nicky

Owner of SMART Dojos

Think your club's too small for EFC – then you're wrong! With all members on Direct Debit, we now have consistent cash flow and expert support. Would recommend without reservations!

Damus Fry

Australia

The ‘Aquila’ software is perfectly curated for school owners. It balances advanced features with simple navigation and comprehensive training. It is amazing to have such a powerful yet user-friendly tool.

Professor Bruce

Professor & Owner of B1 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

What I found out is that EFC wasn't just a payment processor or software program. They were also there to help educate you and help you grow your business.

Customer Story

Peter Owen

Owner of Urban Combat

Having been with EFC for nearly 10 years, I grew from zero members in 2016 to nearly 700 students across seven locations today – even through COVID. If you’re serious about growing your martial arts business, this is the place to be!

Ridvan Manav

Australia

A member for over a decade, I find EFC incredibly professional. They handle all our collections and transactions seamlessly while hosting industry-leading events that consistently raise the standards of martial arts.

Stephen Plyer

Owner of Elevated Studios Martial Arts

The EFC Software truly keeps every aspect of our business in one place. So it truly is like a one-stop shop. We use it for everything.

Customer Story

Richard Jago

Owner of ProActive Martial Arts

Since joining, EFC has been the smoothest part of my business – always quick and professional. Their annual conference is worth it for beginner and veteran school owners alike. 10/10, highly recommended!

Evan Whetter

Australia

Great company. Great people. Great value. They will help you take your martial arts business to the next level.

Renee Plyler

Co-Owner, Elevated Studios Martial Arts

We continued to see not just the growth in our school, but the growth in our mindset of what we can accomplish - seeing people in this industry experiencing success we didn't even have on our radar as a possibility.

Customer Story

Seyit Bozdag

Owner of Bozdag CKD

I have been using EFC for over 20 years and I always get good customer service. It's a company always developing to bring new tools for martial art businesses. Highly recommend!

Christopher Terzak

Owner of Turzak Karate

When we purchased the school, we inherited 140 students with an arrow going down. EFC was extremely helpful with getting us back to an upward trajectory again.

Customer Story

Sohail

Owner of Chowdhary AGMA

Brilliant organisation! Very professional and always on hand to answer any questions. They offer clients a great deal of support and I highly recommend them.

Jason Figliano

Owner of Canadian Black Belt Academy

What I love about EFC is they were at the forefront of the original concepts that have made school owners successful. It's all about honest martial arts instruction, integrity, and business management.

Customer Story

Vince Cassar

Owner of Cassar Academy of CKD

My 20-year association with EFC has been transformative. Matt’s leadership and Ian’s Aquila software are game-changers. EFC offers an unbeatable combination of support, tools, and community.

Our Approach

Connection

We believe martial arts schools thrive when they're part of something bigger. That's why we've built a community where school owners connect, share what works, and learn from each other's successes. Your growth isn't just about software; it's about the relationships, insights, and support you gain from being part of a network that genuinely cares about your success.

Growth

Your school's growth is our mission. We've spent 58 years understanding what makes martial arts schools succeed, and we've distilled that knowledge into practical tools and strategies that work. From attracting new students to keeping them engaged for years, every feature we build is designed to help you reach more families and make a bigger impact in your community.

Systems

Great schools run on great systems. We provide the complete infrastructure you need: student management, billing, websites, and marketing. Everything works together seamlessly, so you can focus on what you do best: teaching martial arts. Our integrated approach eliminates the headaches of juggling multiple platforms and gives you more time on the mat.

About eFC

Meet the Team

The people behind EFC are dedicated to your school's success. Our leadership team brings decades of combined experience in martial arts, technology, marketing, and customer success.

John Cokinos

EFC Chairman

Brian Simpson

Chief Executive Officer

Charlotte Powell

Head of Finance

Nick Abell

Director of Sales

Traci Brooks

Director of Marketing

Joe Lawrence

Director of Product

Chase Morgan

Director of Client Experience

Anna Wolfe

Director of Community and Events

Matt Edginton

Managing Director of EFC UK

Danielle

Managing Director of EFC APAC

Want to meet the team in person?

Join us at EFC Summit or connect with our community at monthly events and masterclasses.

View Upcoming Events

Our Mission

To empower martial arts schools with the complete growth system they need to thrive. We believe that when martial arts schools succeed, communities benefit. Students learn discipline, confidence, and respect. Families build connections. And the martial arts industry elevates as a whole.

Our values

Proven Growth

We measure what matters: more students, better retention, increased revenue, and sustainable expansion. Your results are our track record.

The Complete System

We're the only company combining CRM/Billing + Websites/Ads + Coaching/Community into one measured system. No juggling multiple platforms, no gaps in your growth strategy.

Human Connection

We're not just a software company; we provide genuine client service and help you deliver exceptional student service. Your success depends on relationships, and so does ours.

Innovation

We continuously improve our platform based on real feedback from real school owners. Your needs drive our development.

Integrity

We do what we say we'll do. We're honest about what works, what doesn't, and how we can help.

Excellence

With 58 years in the martial arts industry, we hold ourselves to the highest standards, just like you do in your school.

Why Martial Arts Schools Choose EFC

Complete Ecosystem

Website, CRM, billing, training, and community—everything in one place.

Built for Martial Arts

Not adapted from fitness software. Purpose-built for martial arts schools from day one.

Thriving Community

Join thousands of school owners in the EFC Circle Community, Summit events, and monthly masterclasses.

Client-First Service

We prioritize your success and delight, not just your subscription.

Connect With Our Community

Ready to learn more about EFC and connect with our team? Join us at an upcoming event, masterclass, or community gathering.

View Upcoming Events

Schedule A Demo