10 Martial Arts Membership Software for Dojos, Schools, and Clubs

Enes Güneş

January 23, 2026

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Running a dojo means juggling class schedules, belt testing, tuition payments, and a hundred other tasks that pull you away from teaching.

The right martial arts membership software can automate the busy work, keep students engaged, and give you back hours each week.

In this guide, you'll find a detailed comparison of 10 platforms built for martial arts schools, dojos, and BJJ/MMA/karate/taekwondo gyms. We've compiled pricing from vendor sites, review sentiment from real users, and feedback from Reddit threads and forums to help you make an informed choice.

For broader context on membership management, check out our membership organizations guide.

Key Takeaways

Rapid market growth. The martial arts software market is expected to grow from $200M in 2023 to $400M by 2030 as schools adopt cloud automation and AI-powered analytics.
Autopay is essential. 89% of students at top-performing martial arts schools use automated billing, ensuring predictable revenue and removing awkward payment conversations.
Early attendance drives retention. Retention jumps to 90% after a student’s fifth class, compared to just 46% after the first visit—making attendance tracking critical.
Referrals fuel growth. Word-of-mouth accounts for 86% of new member acquisition in fitness businesses. Software that automates communication and tracks engagement helps create referral-worthy experiences.
Free trials matter. Most platforms offer 15–30 day trials. Test at least two tools using real workflows and involve staff before committing.
Pricing scales with growth. A system costing $75/month for 50 students can jump to $200/month for 200 students—plan for growth when budgeting.
Join It suits membership-first martial arts clubs , offering straightforward pricing from $29/month, digital membership cards, automated renewals, and a 10% nonprofit discount.

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How We Picked These 10 Tools

We evaluated dozens of platforms and narrowed it down based on clear criteria.

Inclusion requirements:

Built specifically for martial arts or flexible enough to handle dojo operations
Active product with recent updates
At least 10+ verified reviews on trusted platforms like Software Advice
Transparent pricing (or quote-based with clear reasoning)

Our research process:

Pricing: We went directly to vendor websites first. When pricing wasn't published, we noted that clearly.
Reviews: We pulled data from Software Advice, Capterra, and G2, then cross-referenced with Reddit discussions and martial arts forums.
Real voices: We included actual user quotes from r/judo, KungFuMagazine forums, and other community discussions.

Who this guide is for:

Dojo owners, academy operators, program directors, and front desk admins who need software that handles martial arts-specific needs like belt tracking, class scheduling, and recurring billing.

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What Dojos Actually Need From Martial Arts Membership Software

Before diving into specific platforms, let's cover the features buyers compare first.

Core Features That Matter Most

When evaluating any martial arts school software, these are the make-or-break capabilities:

Billing and payments: Automated martial arts billing software that handles recurring dues, failed payment recovery, and invoicing saves hours of manual work each month. Top-performing schools report that 89% of their students are on autopay, a practice that ensures steady cash flow.

Attendance and check-ins: Modern attendance tracking software lets students check in via app, kiosk, or barcode. Research shows that getting a new member to attend 5 classes boosts long-term retention to 90% versus 46% after just one visit. Tracking who shows up (and who doesn't) is critical.

Member check-in systems: A member check-in kiosk speeds up front desk operations and gives you real-time attendance data. Students tap in, you see who's on the mats, and instructors can focus on teaching rather than tracking names on clipboards.

Belt testing and rank tracking: Unlike generic gym software, martial arts platforms need to track skill progression. Belt tracking software lets you set requirements (X classes attended, Y techniques mastered) and schedule testing sessions. This keeps students motivated and prevents anyone from slipping through the cracks.

Class scheduling and booking: A solid class scheduling system shows real-time availability, enforces capacity limits, and allows online booking. This prevents overcrowding and maximizes class attendance by filling empty spots.

Waivers and forms: Digital waiver management (Smartwaiver integration) eliminates paper forms. New students e-sign on signup, and everything's stored securely for liability protection.

Member portal: A simple member portal gives students a place to view schedules, update payment info, and check their progress. Parents of young martial artists especially appreciate this visibility.

CRM and lead capture: A martial arts CRM tracks prospects from inquiry to enrollment. Lead capture forms on your website funnel interested people into automated follow-up sequences, so no one falls through the cracks.

Communication tools: Email and texting for martial arts schools keeps everyone informed. Automated reminders for class, belt test notifications, and renewal alerts reduce no-shows and missed payments.

Point of sale: If you sell uniforms, gear, or branded merchandise, POS functionality lets you handle transactions and track inventory without needing a separate register system.

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Industry Snapshot (Why This Category Is Growing)

The martial arts software market is booming, and for good reason.

Market growth: The global martial arts industry is projected to reach $171.14 billion by 2028, reflecting increasing participation worldwide. Meanwhile, the martial arts software market itself is expected to grow from $200 million in 2023 to $400 million by 2030, roughly a 13.4% CAGR.

Why automation matters: Top-performing martial arts schools overwhelmingly use autopay. 89% of students at the most profitable schools have recurring billing set up, which ensures steady revenue and eliminates awkward money conversations on the mats.

Retention drives growth: Word-of-mouth is king. 86% of fitness studios say referrals beat any paid marketing channel, and in martial arts specifically, 65.9% of students would recommend their school to a friend. Software that tracks attendance and automates communication helps you deliver the experience that generates those referrals.

Post-pandemic recovery: Attendance levels are nearly back to pre-2020 highs, and nearly 8 in 10 fitness business owners plan to open a new location within two years. This expansion means dojos need systems that scale across multiple sites.

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2026 Trends in Martial Arts School Management Software

The category is evolving fast. Here's what's shaping the next generation of platforms.

AI and predictive analytics: Software vendors are integrating AI to spot at-risk students before they cancel. Since 80% of member loss is preventable if caught early, churn prediction tools give owners a heads-up to intervene with personal outreach.

Mobile-first experience: Gen Z's class attendance in fitness has grown 11% in two years, and these younger members expect seamless mobile booking, progress tracking, and community features. The best platforms now offer branded mobile apps where students can check in, view curriculum videos, and share belt promotions on social media.

Flexible membership options: Rigid annual contracts are fading. Successful studios offer unlimited plans, punch-card class packs, and easy freeze options. Modern software handles this complexity, letting owners set up multiple tiers and self-service adjustments that build trust and long-term loyalty.

Community and communication: Martial arts is as much about belonging as technique. Software is adding two-way SMS, automated milestone emails, and even social feeds where members can celebrate achievements. These tools amplify the sense of community that keeps students training for years.

Multi-location support: As schools expand, they need consolidated reporting, staff role management, and centralized billing across locations. Platforms built for growth make it easier to run multiple dojos without losing operational control.

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Common Problems Buyers Mention (Reviews + Community Threads)

No software is perfect. Here's what users consistently flag in reviews and forums.

Pricing that scales too sharply: Many platforms charge based on active member count. As your dojo grows from 50 to 200 students, monthly fees can double or triple. Reddit users mention this frequently when comparing options like Gymdesk and ClubWorx.

Limited reporting: Martial arts-specific tools like Kicksite get praise for simplicity but criticism for limited reporting capabilities. If you're data-driven, you may need to export to Excel for deeper analysis.

All-in-one complexity: Platforms like Zen Planner offer incredible depth but can feel overwhelming. One long-time user noted it has "so many options for reports and automations... can be very confusing at times" if you're not tech-savvy.

Marketing gaps: Several martial arts platforms lag in marketing tools. Kicksite users report "limited marketing tools and no digital marketing service" built in. If growth is a priority, you may need to integrate Mailchimp or similar platforms.

Staff training time: Moving from spreadsheets to software takes effort. Some users mention a steep learning curve and setup delays. The key is taking advantage of free trials and onboarding support to smooth the transition.

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What Real Dojo Owners Say (Reddit + Forums + Q&A Sites)

Beyond formal reviews, community discussions offer ground-level insights.

Reddit: Common Questions and Recommendations

On r/judo, several threads discuss dojo management software. Here's the consensus:

Gymdesk gets frequent shout-outs. One club manager shared: "I just built out a Gymdesk setup for the club... surprisingly easy with some great features. Is it the most powerful software out there? Probably not. But for the price it is hard to beat." Another user praised Gymdesk's responsive support, noting they even lowered fees during COVID hardships.

ClubWorx is mentioned as a budget option. A user who switched from Gymdesk to ClubWorx said it was "about half the price" for a larger student count, though "the interface is somewhat clunky in comparison".

Data portability matters. One tech-savvy user loved that Gymdesk lets you "export all member data" regularly, providing peace of mind if pricing changes or you need to switch platforms.

Zen Planner alternatives exist. While Zen Planner is robust, some dojos explore alternatives. One IT professional moved a client to Exercise.com, praising its custom app feature and strong support.

Forums: Old-School Reality Check

On KungFuMagazine forums, an older thread noted that many small schools still run on notebooks. One instructor said, "Most Sifu I know use simply a Notepad" because of small scale. The takeaway? If you have 20 students and one class type, software might be overkill. But once you're tracking 50+ members across multiple programs, the benefits multiply fast.

Quora + Stack Exchange: Limited But Useful

These platforms have minimal martial arts software discussion. Most dojos turn to Reddit or Facebook groups for peer advice. If you're researching, join martial arts business communities online for ongoing insights as software evolves.

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10 Martial Arts Membership Software (Detailed Reviews)

Now let's dive into the platforms themselves. Each review follows the same structure so you can compare quickly.

1. Join It

Best for: Membership-first martial arts clubs and associations

What it's great at:

Clean, intuitive interface that non-technical users love
Recurring billing with Stripe integration and automatic renewal reminders
Digital membership cards that members can save to Apple or Google Wallet
Member portal for self-service profile updates and payment management
Strong integrations with Mailchimp, Eventbrite, and Zapier

Join It is a cloud-based membership management platform that works brilliantly for martial arts clubs operating like community organizations. It's not built specifically for dojos, so you won't find belt tracking or class scheduling out of the box. But if your school runs on membership dues, hosts seminars, and needs solid payment automation, Join It delivers.

Users on Software Advice give it a 4.7/5 rating with 80+ reviews. The member database feature scores an impressive 4.87/5, while the email marketing tool is more basic at 3.6/5.

Where it falls short:

No native belt tracking
Not built for heavy class scheduling

Pricing:

Starter: $29/month (or $26.10/month annually) + 3% service fee
Total: $99/month (or $89.10/month annually) + 2% service fee
Extra: $199/month (or $179.10/month annually) + 1.5% service fee
Enterprise: Custom pricing
10% nonprofit discount available

Free trial: 30-day. No credit card required.

For more on how Join It serves martial arts communities, visit Join It for sports & fitness clubs.

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2. Gymdesk

Best for: All-in-one dojo management with modern design

What it's great at:

Modern, clean interface that's surprisingly easy to navigate
Belt progression tracking with customizable requirements
Class scheduling with real-time booking and capacity management
Automated billing with dunning emails for failed payments
Website builder and member portal included at all tiers

Gymdesk (formerly Martial Arts on Rails) has quickly become a Reddit favorite among martial arts school owners. It combines membership management, class scheduling, attendance tracking, billing, and even a website builder into one platform.

Software Advice users rate it 4.8/5 with 140+ reviews. On Reddit, users describe it as "surprisingly capable and easy to use" while "hard to beat for the price".

One dojo owner shared: "We just went to GymDesk... billing is super simple, even with the various types of memberships we have." They also praised the built-in website builder and mass email/text capabilities.

Where it falls short:

Not the "most powerful" in absolute terms for huge franchises
May need third-party tools for sophisticated marketing funnels
Pricing increases as you scale (though still competitive)

Pricing:

Micro Gym (up to 50 members): $75/month
Small Gym (51-100 members): $100/month
Medium Gym (101-200 members): $150/month
Large Gym (201-400 members): $200/month
Enterprise (400+ members): Custom pricing

Free trial: 30 days free when you create an account.

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3. Kicksite

Best for: Martial arts-focused simplicity with excellent support

What it's great at:

Built explicitly for martial arts with belt and rank tracking
Automated billing and tuition management
Student/parent portal with curriculum videos
Unlimited email and SMS communication included
Belt promotions can auto-post to students' Facebook pages

Kicksite markets itself as software created specifically for martial arts schools, and it shows. The interface is clean, the features are targeted, and the customer support gets rave reviews.

Software Advice users rate it 4.8/5 with 125+ reviews. One user exclaimed, "Hands down, Kicksite is the best! Easy to use, intuitive, best customer service, and industry-specific for my needs!"

IBJJF World Champion Mahamed Aly credits Kicksite for helping his academy grow to 400 students and providing "peace of mind." Another owner called it the "best decision for our academy".

Where it falls short:

Limited reporting compared to platforms like Zen Planner
No advanced marketing integrations or campaign builder
No dedicated mobile app (just a responsive web portal)
Some users report the site can be "rather slow quite often" on mobile

Pricing:

0-25 students: $49/month
26-50 students: $99/month
51-100 students: $149/month
101+ students: $199/month
Annual discounts available; first 30 days free

Free trial: 30 days free.

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4. Zen Planner

Best for: Comprehensive platform for larger schools

What it's great at:

Deep belt and skill tracking with curriculum management
Over 140 prebuilt reports and analytics dashboards
Extensive automations (birthday emails, renewal reminders, belt test notifications)
Multi-location and franchising support
"Engage" add-on offers advanced marketing tools

Zen Planner has been around since 2006, founded by a martial artist. It's a feature-rich beast that handles everything from student CRM to payment processing to marketing campaigns.

Software Advice and Capterra users give it a 4.3/5 rating with hundreds of reviews. Long-time users say it's "like having another employee" handling admin tasks. One reviewer praised the "automated billing, emails and reporting" that let them check finances instantly.

Where it falls short:

Complexity can be overwhelming for smaller schools
Interface feels a bit dated in some areas
Pricing has increased over time, with some users noting it's gotten "much pricier over the past year"

Pricing:

Studio (software only): $99-$289/month based on member count (0-45 up to 251+)
Essentials bundle (Studio + Website): $198-$388/month
Ultimate bundle (Studio + Website + Engage): $348-$538/month
New Business Bundle: $199/month (Studio + Website + Branded App)
Annual plans save money; demo available but no prominent free trial

Free trial: Demo available, but no widely advertised free trial.

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5. GymMaster

Best for: Gyms with martial arts programs + 24/7 access needs

What it's great at:

24/7 door access integration with keyfob systems
Comprehensive membership management and class bookings
Point of sale for retail and inventory tracking
Mobile member app for bookings and payments
AI-assisted content templates for emails and workout plans

GymMaster is a full-featured gym management system used by fitness centers, health clubs, and martial arts studios. Its standout feature is access control integration, perfect if you offer open mat sessions or 24-hour training.

Software Advice users rate it 4.7/5 with 160+ reviews. Attendance tracking scores a perfect 5.0, indicating users love that feature. One review highlighted that GymMaster "lets you keep detailed member records, schedule classes, process sales, and communicate with members" all in one system.

Where it falls short:

Not built specifically for martial arts (no native belt tracking module)
Initial setup may require training
If you don't need gym-specific features like 24/7 access, you might be paying for extras

Pricing:

Foundation: $89/month per site (up to 100 members)
Advanced: $129/month per site (up to 400 members)
Professional: $209/month per site (up to 1,300 members)
Enterprise: Custom pricing (unlimited members)
Paying annually gives ~10% discount; 60-day money-back guarantee

Free trial: 60-day money-back guarantee acts as a trial period.

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6. OnMat

Best for: Modular pricing for cost-conscious dojos

What it's great at:

Pay-as-you-go modular pricing (only pay for features you use)
Skills management and belt testing modules
SMS texting and membership agreements
Calendar and attendance tracking with iPad check-in
Backed by Member Solutions, a long-time martial arts industry player

OnMat is designed specifically for martial arts schools by Member Solutions, a company with decades of experience in martial arts billing and software. The modular approach means you can start small and add features as you grow.

Software Advice users give it a 4.8/5 rating with 50+ reviews. Users appreciate that it "organize their new schools" and improved operations. One customer reported saving $100 per month on office supplies by switching to OnMat's digital system.

Where it falls short:

Less visible in the market compared to bigger names
Interface may feel dated compared to newer platforms
Pricing isn't public upfront (modular, but requires understanding the structure)
Best with Member Solutions' payment processing

Pricing (modular per month):

Member Management and Integrated Billing: Free (small annual fee applies)
Membership Agreements: $10/month
SMS Texting: $10/month
Programs (class scheduling): $20/month
Skills Management (belt tracking): $20/month
Calendar & Attendance: $20/month
Level Testing: $20/month
30-day free trial; no long-term contracts

Free trial: 30 days free.

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7. Gym Assistant

Best for: One-time purchase, offline capability

What it's great at:

One-time purchase model (no monthly fees)
Fast barcode/keytag check-in system
Billing and dues management with ACH/credit card processing
Works offline (local Windows install)
Integrates with door locks for facility access

Gym Assistant is a Windows-based system that's been around for years. It's fast, reliable, and appeals to owners who prefer buying software outright rather than paying subscriptions.

Software Advice users rate it 4.6/5 with 200+ reviews. The Member Types feature (for categorizing memberships or ranks) scores 4.86/5. Users comment that it's "very fast and reliable for day-to-day tasks".

Where it falls short:

No cloud access (can't check data from home unless you remote in)
No modern mobile app or online booking
Online registration is limited (scores 3.36/5 in reviews)
Interface is functional but not modern-looking

Pricing:

One-time purchase: $780-$3,510 depending on member capacity (Mini 250 to Super 32,000 edition)
Includes one year of support and upgrades
Renewals available annually; no recurring subscription
Demo download available

Free trial: Demo available for download.

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8. Clubworx

Best for: Budget-friendly cloud software for growing schools

What it's great at:

Affordable pricing with a free tier (up to 20 members)
Belt/grade tracking built in
Class bookings and attendance tracking
Email and SMS marketing tools included
Multi-site support in higher plans

Clubworx offers a nice balance of affordability and functionality. It's cloud-based, mobile-friendly, and explicitly caters to martial arts schools alongside gyms and yoga studios.

Software Advice users rate it 4.6/5 with 80 reviews. The "For Martial Arts" features score a perfect 5.0, indicating it fits dojo needs well. One case study from Honour Martial Arts Academy credits Clubworx for reducing admin stress and automating processes, with automations, e-signatures, and CRM as favorite features.

Where it falls short:

Interface can feel "somewhat clunky" compared to more polished competitors
Reporting is adequate but not extremely deep
Limited integrations with third-party apps
Time zone differences if you're outside Australia (where it's based)

Pricing:

Free: $0/month (up to 20 members)
Growing: $109/month (up to 100 members), $88/month if paid annually
Accelerating: $149/month (up to 250 members), $120/month annually
Established: $169/month (unlimited members), $136/month annually
15-day free trial; 20% savings with annual billing

Free trial: 15 days free.

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9. Spark Membership

Best for: Tech-forward academies with aggressive growth goals

What it's great at:

All-in-one platform with CRM, scheduling, billing, and marketing
Branded mobile app for members (curriculum videos, bookings, notifications)
Email and SMS automation with lead funnels
Rank tracking with attendance-based eligibility
Done-for-you data migration and personalized onboarding

Spark Membership is a newer platform built by martial arts school owners. It's feature-packed and markets aggressively, promising to increase revenues through better engagement and automation.

Software Advice shows a 5.0/5 rating, but from only 8 reviews, so take that with context. Testimonials on the Spark website are highly positive. One user who switched from Zen Planner said Spark is "more user-friendly" and the payment processor works better.

Independent reviews mention a steep learning curve and occasional support delays. One complaint: "Limited customization for non-traditional gyms" if you run something outside the typical structure.

Where it falls short:

As a newer platform, stability and support consistency vary
Steep learning curve due to so many features
Higher pricing compared to competitors
Often requires annual contracts (less flexibility to test month-to-month)

Pricing:

Spark Basic: $239/month
Spark VIP+: $299/month
Spark Premium: $499/month
Promotional offer: $199/month (reduced from $249) with $1 trial for 2 weeks
Pricing may vary; schedule a demo for quote

Free trial: $1 for 2 weeks (promotional).

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10. Hello Club

Best for: Dues-based dojos and family membership structures

What it's great at:

Member sign-ups with custom registration forms
Membership tiers with automatic renewals
Event management (seminars, belt tests, tournaments)
Family membership support and bundled registrations
Integrates with accounting software (Xero)

Hello Club was originally designed for sports clubs and associations, but it adapts well to martial arts schools that operate on membership dues and host regular events.

Software Advice users rate it 4.7/5 with 46 reviews. The Enrollments/Onboarding feature scores 4.86/5, suggesting the sign-up process is smooth. Users from various clubs highlight that it "is designed to help manage members and club events easily".

Where it falls short:

Not martial arts-specific (no built-in belt tracking)
Basic on class scheduling with capacities
No branded mobile app, just mobile-friendly site
Integration options focus on payments and accounting, not marketing

Pricing:

Entry: $40/month (up to 100 members)
Standard: $80/month (up to 300 members)
Premium: $120/month (up to 1,000 members)
Business: Starting at $240/month (2,500+ members)
Two months free with annual billing; free trial available

Free trial: Yes, free trial available.

Best fit: Small to medium dojos operating like clubs, with monthly/annual dues and family memberships. Good for schools that don't need heavy class scheduling but want easy membership management and event registration.

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Which Martial Arts Membership Software Should You Choose?

Still stuck between two or three options? Here's a quick decision framework.

Choose Based on Your Dojo Type

Dues-based club or association model:

If your school operates on membership dues, hosts seminars, and doesn't have dozens of daily classes, consider Join It or Hello Club. Both excel at membership management and event registration without overwhelming you with features you won't use.

Class-heavy school (scheduling + attendance + belt tracking):

If you run multiple classes per day, track belt progression, and need automated attendance, look at Gymdesk, Kicksite, or Zen Planner. These platforms were built with martial arts scheduling in mind.

Retail-heavy gym (POS + inventory + contracts):

If you sell gear, uniforms, and merchandise alongside training, GymMaster or Clubworx offer solid point-of-sale features and inventory tracking.

Multi-location academy (staff roles + consolidated reporting):

If you're managing multiple dojos or planning expansion, Zen Planner, GymMaster, or Spark Membership provide the multi-site support and reporting you need.

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FAQs

What is the best martial arts management software?

The best martial arts management software depends on your school's size and needs. For simplicity and strong support, Kicksite excels. For comprehensive features and scalability, Zen Planner is hard to beat. For budget-conscious schools, Gymdesk and Clubworx offer excellent value.

Do I need belt testing tracking software?

If you run a traditional dojo with colored belt systems, belt testing tracking software saves time and ensures no student is overlooked. Platforms like Kicksite, Zen Planner, and OnMat offer built-in belt progression modules. If you only have a handful of students, manual tracking might suffice.

How does recurring billing for martial arts schools work?

Recurring billing for martial arts schools automatically charges students' credit cards or bank accounts on a set schedule (monthly, quarterly, annually). The software handles payment processing, failed payment recovery with dunning emails, and renewal reminders. This ensures steady cash flow and eliminates manual invoicing.

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