Fariborz empowers me to become a better person with challenges, honesty, and time. In conversations on and off the mat he shares insights that challenge my perspective and spur me to grapple with new questions. As I form my own responses to these questions, inevitably I reach a new depth of insight that informs my life-experience. In class he teases me, which motivates me to try harder and reminds me that our relationship goes beyond the teacher-student dynamic.
Fariborzs honesty keeps me accountable. When we talk about how to improve my life, he offers suggestions that raise my standards and orient me in the direction I want to go. Also he calls me on my shortcomings in a way that makes me feel cared for rather than judged. This requires a level of strength and compassion that is hard to find in a mentor, let alone a friend.
As a present father, husband, and master instructor, there are endless demands on Fariborz time. Yet he always sets aside time for me when I ask to speak with him. This makes me feel respected and valued as a person, which reinforces my sense of self-worth.
Fariborz is a friend and mentor who models a behavior that I try to apply in my own life.