In 1995, after a thorough search of the literature and practice of mental training and the great warrior traditions, Ilgner formalized his methods, founded the Desiderata Institute, and began teaching his program full time.
Since then, he has helped hundreds of students sharpen their awareness, focus attention, and understand their athletic (and life) challenges within a coherent, learning-based philosophy of intelligent risk-taking. Ilgner considers the joy and satisfaction in the effort – the “journey” – intimately linked to successful attainment of goals, the “destination.” Alumni of his courses now include some of the nation’s most prominent climbers.
Ilgner has run clinics across the USA and Australia. He has worked with young competition climbers and written national magazine articles based on his methods. He holds a BA in geology, spent several years operating his own geological consulting firm in the Wyoming oil fields, acted as Chief Financial Officer for an industrial tool distribution company, attended the Army Ranger School, and served a non-combat tour of duty in Korea.
Email Arno to book a course with him (or select a prescheduled course, when available, below).
April 2020
Combat Veteran Course – Flagstaff, AZ
A Rock-Climbing and Mental-Training Program for Combat Veterans and Their Families: who are able to walk to crags and participate in rock climbing. You don't have to be a rock climber to take this course. We keep you on easy terrain so you can learn and enjoy the lessons climbing can teach.
Find out more »Combat Veteran Course – Upper Saddle River, NJ
A Rock-Climbing and Mental-Training Program for Combat Veterans and Their Families: who are able to walk to crags and participate in rock climbing. You don't have to be a rock climber to take this course. We keep you on easy terrain so you can learn and enjoy the lessons climbing can teach.
Find out more »Combat Veteran Course – Poughkeepsie, NY
A Rock-Climbing and Mental-Training Program for Combat Veterans and Their Families: who are able to walk to crags and participate in rock climbing. You don't have to be a rock climber to take this course. We keep you on easy terrain so you can learn and enjoy the lessons climbing can teach.
Find out more »May 2020
Combat Veteran Course – Nashville, TN
A Rock-Climbing and Mental-Training Program for Combat Veterans and Their Families: who are able to walk to crags and participate in rock climbing. You don't have to be a rock climber to take this course. We keep you on easy terrain so you can learn and enjoy the lessons climbing can teach.
Find out more »Combat Veteran Course – Bend, OR
A Rock-Climbing and Mental-Training Program for Combat Veterans and Their Families: who are able to walk to crags and participate in rock climbing. You don't have to be a rock climber to take this course. We keep you on easy terrain so you can learn and enjoy the lessons climbing can teach.
Find out more »June 2020
Combat Veteran Course – Austin, TX
A Rock-Climbing and Mental-Training Program for Combat Veterans and Their Families: who are able to walk to crags and participate in rock climbing. You don't have to be a rock climber to take this course. We keep you on easy terrain so you can learn and enjoy the lessons climbing can teach.
Find out more »Combat Veteran Course – Austin, TX
A Rock-Climbing and Mental-Training Program for Combat Veterans and Their Families: who are able to walk to crags and participate in rock climbing. You don't have to be a rock climber to take this course. We keep you on easy terrain so you can learn and enjoy the lessons climbing can teach.
Find out more »
