Karate at Hilltop Manor LTC builds confidence and community
It’s not unusual for residents at peopleCare Hilltop Manor to try something new but karate might still come as a surprise. Since May 2025, the Cambridge long-term care (LTC) home has been offering karate lessons as part of its recreational programming, creating new opportunities for residents to build strength, confidence and meaningful connections.
The initiative started when Olympic karate athlete and owner of Cambridge’s Karate Olympic Centre, Hamoon Derafshipour, approached Hilltop Manor with the idea. As Hilltop’s Executive Director, Stella Annan shares, “peopleCare is always up for trying new things, and we immediately connected with Hamoon’s teaching style. It’s really engaging, inclusive and reflects person-centred care.”
Derafshipour brings valuable experience, having previously taught karate to individuals with disabilities in his home country of Iran. He was especially excited to work with Hilltop’s residents including Noor, the home’s youngest resident at 41.
“Noor isn’t what people typically picture as a resident of an LTC home,” says Megan Stretton, Director of Programs at peopleCare. “Right now, none of our other residents are similar in age, so karate has really helped him settle in and find a sense of community and belonging. We’re always looking for ways to connect with our residents’ personhood, and that looks different for everyone.”
In addition to participating in group classes, Noor trained one-on-one with Derafshipour for two months in preparation for a Karate Ontario tournament at Conestoga College. He went on to win a gold medal.
“When I met Noor, he was very excited for the program,” says Derafshipour. “Whenever I come to Hilltop, he’s waiting for me. We’ve built a real friendship. He’s gained a lot of strength, improved his balance and his confidence has grown so much over the past year.”
The program has also brought a multi-generational energy into the home. Participants range in age from 41 to over 100, and Derafshipour occasionally brings his 2-year-old daughter and young students, aged 5 to 8, to visit and perform.
“It’s special,” he says. “It’s good for the older people to see the energy of the kids, and the kids learn just as much from being here.”
When asked what he enjoys most about karate, Noor shares, “Hamoon is a nice man. I love his family and being part of his group. I love everything. It is fun to yell and wear my gi, and I feel like I have better balance when I am practicing.”
At Hilltop Manor and across peopleCare homes, programs like this are about more than activity. They’re about connection, confidence, and creating moments that matter. Whether it’s trying something new, building friendships, or celebrating achievements, it’s all part of supporting residents to live more fully, each and every day.
