ABOUT US

ABOUT US

Welcome to PFT Academy. Discover our story, meet our expert coaches, and learn how we empower our members through the art of parkour, freerunning, and tricking.

Training facility Parkour class

Who We Are

MEET PFT ACADEMY

Founded by Kurtis Torbett, PFT Academy is more than just a training facility; it is a movement community. We provide a safe, structured environment where athletes of all ages learn the fundamentals of parkour, freerunning, and tricking.

Our mission is to provide a pure, fun and timeless experience through a structured pathway... where every individual is encouraged to progress at their own pace.

Kurtis Torbett

Kurtis Torbett

Founder & Head Coach

Why Choose Us

THE PREMIER Parkour DESTINATION

Extensive Range of Classes

Available six days a week during the school term and four days a week alongside our six-hour camps during the holidays.

Top-Notch Instruction

As the premier destination for Parkour, Freerunning, and Tricking in Basingstoke and the surrounding areas.

Explore Our Classes

Check out our timetable to see the full list of classes we offer here at PFT Academy.

View Classes

Accredited Expertise

Our qualifications are certified by British Gymnastics and Parkour UK, ensuring that our coaches bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from their backgrounds in Parkour, Dance, Martial Arts, and Gymnastics.

The combination of our accredited expertise and practical experience sets us apart.

PFT Academy grading system – athlete in training

Our Grading System

A CLEAR PATHWAY FORWARD

Not only does PFT Academy have a comprehensive class schedule, but we also offer a unique pathway for all athletes through our grading system. This system is divided into four grades: Pre-Amateur, Amateur, Semi-Pro, and Pro. Each grade is further broken down into specific levels and focuses, providing our athletes with a clear and structured progression in their journey at PFT.

This not only motivates them but also fosters a sense of community among peers, offering clear targets and milestones to achieve.

Pre-Amateur Amateur Semi-Pro Pro

Supportive & Experienced

MEET OUR COACHES

A dedicated team of professionals passionate about movement, safety, and community.

Kurtis Torbett

Kurtis Torbett

Founder • Director • Head Coach

A professional freerunner, former gymnastics coach, and proud member of the British Stunt Register, Kurtis built PFT Academy on a simple but powerful belief: fun outclasses all. His energy, creativity, and passion for movement, shapes an environment where enjoyment drives progress — and where every athlete can thrive.

Qualifications

Level 2 Artistic Gymnastics Level 2 General Gymnastics Level 1 Trampolining Level 3 Personal Training BSc Honours Degree in Sports Science and Coaching Studies

Favourite Skills

Double Backflip Speed Step
Ben Such

Ben Such

Senior Coach

Ben brings a blend of Parkour, Tricking, and Gymnastics to every session he leads. With years of coaching under his belt, he’s known for creating an environment where discipline and respect aren’t just rules—they’re the foundation that allows fun, creativity, and real progress to thrive together. His coaching style is dynamic, technical, and deeply supportive. Whether he’s breaking down a B‑twist or refining a Vault, Ben pushes athletes to discover what they’re truly capable of while keeping the journey exciting.

Qualifications

Kickboxing Instructor Level 1 Parkour

Favourite Skills

B-Twist Kong Vault
Lewis Gillard

Lewis Gillard

Senior Coach

Lewis is a highly skilled freerunner and an equally dedicated coach, driven by a passion for helping others grow. His coaching philosophy is simple but powerful: every athlete deserves equal support, encouragement, and a place within the wider community—no matter their experience, background, or skill level. With a commitment to progress both on the floor and in the coaching space, Lewis is a name to watch as he continues to push boundaries, uplift others, and shape the future of the sport.

Qualifications

Level 2 Gymnastics Coach

Favourite Skills

Scoot Dub Lache Pre
Imogen Martin

Imogen Martin

Coach

Imogen is our resident female coach, bringing years of experience in competitive cheerleading and gymnastics. She has an intricate understanding of the acrobatic skills within our curriculum and approaches teaching parkour with an open mind—learning, experimenting, and progressing alongside her students. Her ability to build strong rapport, combined with her fresh perspective and adaptable coaching style, makes her an invaluable part of our team.

Qualifications

Level 1 Parkour

Favourite Skills

Cartwheel Front Flip
Matthew Newland

Matthew Newland

Coach

Matthew has the least expereince in our sport but don't let that fool you. He has a natural ability to connect with our younger athletes, meeting them at their level and becoming a friendly, reassuring presence for those who may need a little extra time to warm up to our space and classes. Matt has a real talent for breaking down complex skills into simple, foundational movements. This approach helps athletes build a deeper understanding of what they’re learning and gives them the confidence to progress safely and successfully. His patience, clarity, and enthusiasm make him an invaluable part of our coaching team.

Qualifications

Level 1 Parkour

Favourite Skills

Speed Vault Forward roll
Zach Martin

Zach Martin

Coach

Zach is our coach that has come up the PFT journey. He started as an athlete, and risen into one of our SPL athletes aswell as a coach who brings energy, heart, and unstoppable motivation to every session. Zach already embodies what makes our club special, a fun‑first atmosphere, relentless encouragement, and a natural ability to push athletes to discover their best. He may be early in his coaching career, but his talent, instinct, and passion are unmistakable.

Favourite Skills

Reverse vault Lache Catleap
Judah Morson

Judah Morson

Assistant Coach

Judah is the newest addition to the PFT coaching team, and he’s already diving head‑first into the craft. He’s learning the ropes, building genuine rapport with our athletes, and expanding his coaching knowledge day by day.

Favourite Skills

540 kick side flip