Client Success Stories
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Real Growth.
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Trusted by Martial Arts Schools across the country

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Featured
Success Stories







Their challenge
Before EFC, I was struggling with everything. I didn't have stats, I didn't have a team, I didn't have curriculum. I just thought I was a fighter. I was coming in sparring with students, hurting them instead of helping them, and I was wondering why they kept leaving my school.
The Results
- 35 years with EFC (since 1990)
- Grew from 1 to 7 locations (6 in Buffalo, 1 in Charlotte)
- Established 10% profit margin above expenses at each location
- Created systematic approach to student retention and revenue
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.
Wasim Ketchen
Owner of Ketchen Karate
Their challenge
When I came to the United States in 1985, I had to start from scratch. I started teaching in daycares, going to different daycares teaching little kids.
The Results
- Started: 900 sq ft space
- Now: 24,000 sq ft world headquarters on 2.2 acres
- 11-13 locations in America
- Licensed schools across 6+ countries (US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Puerto Rico, Canada)
- Produced over 2,500 black belts internationally
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.
Zulfi Ahmed
Founder & Grand Master of Bushi Ban International
Their challenge
When I started at 23 years old, I had no idea what I was doing, no idea how to get there and no systems to run a successful martial arts school.
The Results
- 4 school locations
- 12 years in business with the maturity of a 30-year organization
- Massive improvement in student retention
Being around people that are part of EFC has been like a shortcut. It would look like our academy's been open for 30 years - a very mature, professional, structured organization.
Pete McHugh
Owner & Lead Instructor of McHugh Jiu-Jitsu
Their challenge
Before working with EFC, I found myself disorganized. I tried to run payments myself but it got way too choppy, too out of control. I wasn't able to focus on the classes.
The Results
- 11 years with EFC
- Able to run business like a business
- Freed up to focus on teaching instead of billing chaos
- Professional payment processing and organization
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.
Professor Bruce
Professor & Owner of B1 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Their challenge
Before partnering with EFC, we had a lack of structure and direction, motivation and inspiration. We were overwhelmed with just trying to survive and keep the lights on.
The Results
- Started with billing only, expanded to full EFC system
- Broke through growth ceiling after engaging with EFC events
- Grew school significantly
- Built successful family business with 3 young children
As a lifelong martial artist, I've always loved training and teaching, but didn't have all the ins and outs when it comes to structuring marketing, sales, and business. Having a source of information like EFC has been literally invaluable.
Stephen Plyler
Owner of Elevated Studios Martial Arts
Their challenge
When we purchased the school, it was down to 170 students with 30 people on the quit list. We essentially inherited 140 students with an arrow going down. The transition was rough.
The Results
- Main location: 550 students (was 676 before opening second location)
- Second location: 220 students (opened 2 years ago)
- After-school program: 130 students
- Total: 900+ students across all programs
- Grew from 140 declining students to 900+ thriving students
We're an EFC school first. Our culture came from EFC. The culture in most martial arts schools, whether you realize it or not, came from EFC.
Christopher Tersak
Owner of Tersak's Family Martial Arts
Their challenge
In 2013, I was burning myself out. I had to take a weekend away and decide, 'I think I'm done with martial arts.' I realized I wasn't done with martial arts - I was done with the people I had surrounded myself with.
The Results
- Started own organization (Canadian Black Belt Academy) in 2013
- Grew to 3-4 locations
- 40-50 leads per month through EFC websites
- Renewed focus on martial arts first, business second
- Built successful multi-location operation
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.
Jason Figliano
Owner of Canadian Black Belt Academy







How EFC Has Helped Our Clients

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christopher Tersak
Owner of Tersak's Family Martial Arts
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

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
What Our Customers Say
EWF Market Harborough
Incredible service for clients, as well as fantastic software that is being constantly improved.
Reflect CKD
A game changer for any martial arts' organisation - excellent support and resources prot
Would highly recommend!!
Amir Khorsan
Fantastic service! Always working hard for their clients. A great service which includes direct debit collections, management software, marketing, online marketing, instructor training courses, plus more. Highly recommended
James Cox
Matt and his team are a stellar addition to our team. Their DD collections and CRM system are top rate and I could not run such a professional business without them.
s bozdag
I have been useing EFC over 20 years and l alwas get good coustomer service and it's a compony always develope bring new tool for martial art bussines to get better. Higly recoment if you want to grove your bussines
Pritchard's Martial Arts Abergele (PMA Abergele)
We’ve been with EFC for 9 years. Great support from all team members over the years. Highly recommend.
Scott Ray
Amazing! Very inspiring. EFC has helped me and other clubs learn to reach high with my martial arts dojo.
David Huxtable
Outstanding service over 17 years - nothing is ever too much for the team. 3 amazing Account managers over that time In Matt Abbey and Chloe. Brilliant staff
Rishi Patel
What an amazing, inspiring company. I'm in total awe around how brilliant these guys are - the support is unparalleled and the value is unbelievable. Thank You Matt Edginton, my account manager, and the whole team EFC UK & Ireland for being all round excellent!
Mike Beard
I have been with EFC for over 11 years and I would highly recommend them to other martial arts schools. It doesn't matter if you're a large, medium or small school they will be there to help you with all your needs.
Peter Owen
EFC is exceptional, going above and beyond to support business growth. Their friendly, approachable team offers courses at various levels, ensuring solid business foundations. Partnering with EFC has been the single best decision we’ve made, fostering development and success. Highly recommended!
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simon bushby
Matt and the team are highly professional in their approach to helping to grow and develop Martial Arts in the UK. Having been a client for many years they have been a great help in developing my school and have no hesitation in recommending them.
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Jamie Goorwitch
Matt Edginton and the team here at EFC are simply Fantastic! They take great pride in thier work ethic and it certainly shows. I recently started working alongside them for Savage Martial Arts and I can say thier professionalism and attention to detail is second to none. The team take the time required to talk you through thier platforms and educate you to truly understand how everything works etc. Fantastic team and I couldn't recommend working with them enough. Thanks Matt & the Team.
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Gurumu Taekwondo
EFC has been Gurumu Taekwondo's membership management and billing partner for many years now. EFC provides an array of business and developmental support to help us be the standout martial arts academy in the industry and our local area. Matt Edington (managing director) and his amazing team provide a first-class service which is second to none. EFC's Aquila CRM system is a great club management tool which is constantly evolving. Their billing system is so fine-tuned which removes the monthly admin pressure off us. Overall we are extremely happy with EFC's services and proud that they are our membership management and billing partners. If you are considering taking your martial arts school to the next level and want to professionalise your setup then you should really consider EFC.
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Rishi Patel
I've been in business now for almost 20 years, and one thing I've learnt is the two key ingredient's for success are team and systems. What I LOVE about EFC UK & Ireland is that they provide both at what I can only describe as EXCELLENT value. My account manager is forward thinking and can anticipate potential issues getting on top of them before the crop up. The MD is also REALLY approachable and friendly. I genuinely want to see this company thrive.
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Michael
I was sceptical about another "business event," but this was different. Real strategies from real school owners who understand our market. No fluff, just results.
Nicky Schofield
We have been clients of EFC for over 10 years. They have helped our Academy grow from less than 50 students to over 300, produced an amazing lead generating website and a customer management system that does everything from automations, texts and a built in app for our students to use.
The EFC team have always been professional and friendly and nothing is too much trouble.
We would recommend them to anyone looking to grow their Martial Arts Academy or Gym. Great people, top service!
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leah thomas
EFC has been an incredible partner for my martial arts school. They’re not just a billing company—they’re a true community dedicated to supporting martial arts schools in every way. Anytime I need help, whether it’s billing-related or guidance within the martial arts community, their team is always ready to assist. Their expertise and commitment to helping schools like mine succeed is unmatched. I feel confident knowing EFC has my back, and I highly recommend them to any martial arts school looking for more than just a billing service—they’re a family.
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