USA: Gym_Fall/Commit Training Clinics

Current Tours and Clinics: 

Tennessee: with Warrior’s Way trainer Arno Ilgner

• Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN: Nov 5 (9am-2pm)
• The Ascent, Murfreesboro, TN: TBD
• Onsight Rock Gym, Knoxville, TN: Nov 3 (6-10pm)
• The Crag, South Nashville, TN: Nov 6 (6-10pm)

Missouri USA: with Warrior’s Way trainer Jon Richard

• Climb So ill, St Louis, MO: Oct 27

Colorado USA: with Warrior’s Way trainer Jes Meiris

• CityROCK, Colorado Springs, CO: TBD
• Rock’n and Jam’n #2, Centennial, CO: TBD

Arizona, USA: with Warrior’s Way trainer Laura Sabourin

• Flagstaff Climbing Gym, Flagstaff, AZ: Oct 26

Las Vegas, NV USA: with Warrior’s Way trainer Tracy Martin or Elaina Arenz

• Origin Climbing and Fitness, Henderson, NV: TBD

Texas USA: with Warrior’s Way trainer Adam Mitchell

• Crux Climbing, Austin, TX: Sept 18

Title: The Warrior’s Way Falling and Commitment Clinic

Clinic Description: This clinic addresses the fear of falling and helps you to improve commitment. We’ll practice falling, movement, and resting exercises and apply all learned skills to a challenging route. We’ll do this in small increments creating appropriate progressions for each individual student. You’ll leave with a structured method for taking appropriate risks with diminished fear.

You’ll learn:

• To fall safely
• To give a cushioned belay
• To distinguish between no- and yes-fall zones
• How to engage no- and yes-fall zones
• To break a climb into smaller risk events
• Better risk assessment
• How to rest effectively
• To improve breathing
• To trust the body
• To create flow and momentum
• To commit more deliberately
• To reduce fear

Pre-requisites:

• Minimum 6 months climbing experience
• Climb a minimum of 5.9 in the gym without falling or hanging
• Being able to lead climb is not required, however, if students want to lead during the clinic they must get lead certified at the gym PRIOR to the clinic date.

Suggested Preparation:
Read Espresso Lessons with emphasis on Preparation and Action Chapters, and the exercises in the Appendix for these chapters.

Equipment: Bring usual climbing equipment plus rope and draws if the gym doesn’t provide them. A helmet is also recommended but not required.

Investment: The cost for each clinic varies based on the hosting gym. Below are approximate costs.

• $99 gym members / $119 non-gym members
• Space limited to 4 or 6 depending on the location

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Student Comments:

“Loved it! This gives me some tools so that I can focus on improvement in a way that is less ego based and more geared to my commitment to and enjoyment of climbing. Thanks!”

–Kate (Triangle Rock Club, Morrisville, NC)

“You can teach an old dog new tricks.”

–Frank Harvey (Onsight Rock Gym, Knoxville, TN)

“In the four years I’ve climbed, I’ve neglected to do any mental training. I never even considered how much I had to learn. I wish I’d done this clinic years ago!”

–Hilary (Onsight Rock Gym, Knoxville, TN)

“This was a great class, well instructed by Arno and Jon. I’ve climbed for a pretty long time and read The Rock Warrior’s Way, but after the course I realized how little I actively apply the material. I feel like this will give me a renewed focused going forward. Thanks!!”

–William Munder (Smoky Mountain Adventure Center, Asheville, NC)

“Loved it! Arno’s passion shines through his teaching, and made this new way of thinking in climbing every climber of all levels and ages should do!” 

–Mandy (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

“Thank you Arno! I feel more confident in my leading and falling. The simplicity of staying in the moment is not always easy and with your plan/advice I can refocus my attention to my breath and action.”

–Lauren (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

“I learned a lot about the processes – breathing, eyes, body – and how to incorporate these into my climbing.”

–Diane (Origin Gym, Henderson, NV)

“[The clinic] really helped guide me on how to progress through mental training and feel comfortable climbing to failure.”

–Rebecca  (Origin Gym, Henderson, NV)

“I was afraid of pushing myself to climb harder grades but I learned how to fall and focus my attention on breathing. I feel more confident now.”

–Sherilyn  (Origin Gym, Henderson, NV)

“Well rounded training for any climbing level. Really helps with assessing and pushing your abilities.”

–Angela  (Origin Gym, Henderson, NV)

“A concise method for improving one’s climbing skill set, that will be helpful for a lifetime.”

–Randy  (Origin Gym, Henderson, NV)

“The trusting the body drills helped me go for holds I would normally avoid.”

–Mark  (Origin Gym, Henderson, NV)

“The class was very informative and showed me how to be more mentally focused.”

–JJ (Origin Gym, Henderson, NV)

“Great class! Knowledgeable instructors made for a great learning experience.”

–Derek (Origin Gym, Henderson, NV)

“This clinic was exactly what I needed to help me conquer or at least get started on overcoming my fears of falling and committing.”

–Lia (Origin Gym, Henderson, NV)

“Incrementally engaging with the edge of my comfort zone increased it. Now I can give 100% attention and focus on the climb. Thanks!!”

–Danny (Origin Gym, Henderson, NV)

“Prior to taking this class, I had to take 2 months off from all climbing. When I returned, my comfort with falling and pushing my limits was the most noticeable change. This class helped reestablish and build upon the foundation that had been in place prior to my break.”

–Christopher (Origin Gym, Henderson, NV)

“It definitely helped me to remind myself to breathe.”

–Timothy (Flagstaff Climbing Center, Flagstaff, AZ)

“I’ve always struggled with falling, so it’s nice to have some ways to fix that now.”

–Cate (Flagstaff Climbing Center, Flagstaff, AZ)

“Helped me to come to terms with my climbing anxieties and learn to trust myself.”

–Maria (Flagstaff Climbing Center, Flagstaff, AZ)

“Awesome–well worth the dollars!”

–Pete (Flagstaff Climbing Center, Flagstaff, AZ)

“Absolutely incredible!!!!”

–Kerr (Flagstaff Climbing Center, Flagstaff, AZ)

“By far the most comprehensive mental training curriculum out there. The instructors were knowledgable, attentive, and gave meaningful personal feedback.”

–Laura (Flagstaff Climbing Center, Flagstaff, AZ)

“[I learned a] process for keeping attention on the climb and in the moment, either stopping to think or moving and trusting the body.”

–Katelyn (Flagstaff Climbing Center, Flagstaff, AZ)

“Arno and Tracy de-mystefied and de-fearified the falling process. Thank you!”

–Ryan (Arizona Mountaineering Club at PRG, Phoenix, AZ)

“I have more intention with my practicing, and in the future, hopefully less stress while on climbs.”

–Tina (Arizona Mountaineering Club at PRG, Phoenix, AZ)

“I really enjoyed the class. I was introduced to skills that will certainly benefit me in my climbing.”

–Chris (Arizona Mountaineering Club at PRG, Phoenix, AZ)

“I think the experience of scaling up my lead falls with actual repetition will make a big difference in my choice of leading and continuing forward with getting better at rock climbing. Thank you!!”

–Bryan (Arizona Mountaineering Club at PRG, Phoenix, AZ)

“The best 4 hours I could have spent to advance my climbing.”

–Thomas (Arizona Mountaineering Club at PRG, Phoenix, AZ)

“Arno and Tracy provided training in one clinic that will transform my climbing.”

–Bill (Arizona Mountaineering Club at PRG, Phoenix, AZ)

“I feel mentally more prepared and equipped to practice falls. The drills were on point and very useful.”

–Dorothea (Arizona Mountaineering Club at PRG, Phoenix, AZ)

“A very effective, intense sequence of theory followed by practice.”

–Matt (Arizona Mountaineering Club at PRG, Phoenix, AZ)

“Not really something studied in class, but can see how focus and intention can keep climbing, even hard climbing, fun and achievable.”

–Colleen (Arizona Mountaineering Club at PRG, Phoenix, AZ)

“Learning is a process. Don’t get frustrated. Follow small steps and it will come.”

–Kasen (Arizona Mountaineering Club at PRG, Phoenix, AZ)

“Excellent course to help ‘manage’ fear and progress in climbing skills.”

–Murthy (Arizona Mountaineering Club at PRG, Phoenix, AZ)

“This clinic has completely helped my mindset while climbing and helped me to work through my fears and challenges.”

–Andrea (Arizona Mountaineering Club at PRG, Phoenix, AZ)

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“Great seminar! [It] really gave me some tools that I can use to progress and move forward.”

–Chuck (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“I feel like I gained a structure on how to approach and climb a route. The trainer seems like a cool dude.”

–Cody (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“Although I’ve read The Rock Warrior’s Way several times, this clinic broke down the info in a clear, manageable way that I had not gleamed from the book. The clinic is an essential addition to the books!”

–Ellen (Elevation Rock Gym, Logan, UT)

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“It’s a great start to help you overcome fears of falling. It opened me up to some climbing techniques that are weak areas of my climbing.”

–Monte (Elevation Rock Gym, Logan, UT)

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“I climb my best when I use the skills I have learned from the clinic and the books.”

–Brenda (Elevation Rock Gym, Logan, UT)

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“I feel it would’ve helped me *vastly* more if I hadn’t missed the first 2 hours of the class… Falling 101 was the reason I took this class. Please come back to do this again soon!”

–Krista (Crux Climbing, Austin, TX)

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“So helpful to have clear and simple things to focus on in climbing. Both very good instructors and is awesome to have this opportunity to learn from you.”

–Louise (Crux Climbing, Austin, TX)

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“Gave a clear understanding of the mental switch between actions and reinforced ‘mindfulness’.”

–Jason (Crux Climbing, Austin, TX)

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“Arno and Adam helped show me the roots to climb with more attention and intention and to grow my comfort zone.”

–Brian (Crux Climbing, Austin, TX)

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“‘Focus on what you can control.’ Very important reminder for me!”

–Esteban (Crux Climbing, Austin, TX)

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“I feel like I am now learning how to get out of my head and get more on the wall!”

–Erin (Crux Climbing, Austin, TX)

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“Great class; gained further exposure and definitely gave me confidence to push the level of my climbing.”

–Mat (Climb Up, Norman, OK)

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“The training gave me practical tools, that gave instant improvement and things to practice for a lifetime.”

–Mark (Climb Up, Norman, OK)

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“Great mental training and practice to improve my preparedness and effectiveness at climbing.”

–James (Climb Up, Norman, OK)

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“This helped me learn what I was hoping to learn. I came to this at the point to where I almost would get panic attacks thinking about falling. I am leaving this feeling more confident and with no panic in sight. I greatly appreciate this session.”

–Annastayzia (Climb Up, Norman, OK)

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“I can’t wait to get back in the gym to get some more practice applying the things we learned. I know this will help me improve overall as a climber and I’m excited for that!”

–Hilary (Climb Up, Norman, OK)

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“Redirecting attention away from what the mind says and focusing on moving from rest to rest. After practicing, I was able to use these skills to climb a problem that had always managed to ‘get in my head’. I look forward to growing using these new methods.”

–Rachel (Climb Up, Norman, OK)

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“Confidence in my ability as lead climber; not giving up was nice.”

–Sarah (Little Rock Climbing Center, Little Rock, AR)

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“This course really helped me learn how to start pushing my limits more leading, feel more comfortable falling and provide me with the information needed to continue using the skills learned today in my training in the future.”

–Monica (Little Rock Climbing Center, Little Rock, AR)

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“Absolutely amazing! Really allowed me to get the fear of falling out of my head and focus on the climbing.”

–Curt (Little Rock Climbing Center, Little Rock, AR)

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“The clinic helped me to break down climbing into definite steps (climbing or resting) and to focus attention on the current step. It also helps to realize to assess the climb along the way and make proper decisions when necessary and trust when proper.”

–Wendy (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“Arno is a focused, articulate and sensitive teacher. The skills I learned will be useful in climbing as much as in daily life. A must for all climbers.”

–Matt (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“This clinic helped to expand my comfort zone in a way I would not have been able to any other way. It also helped me learn ways to focus and be in the present moment on the present task.”

–Richard (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“I loved the class. I would take another class if given the chance.”

–David (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“I really enjoyed the falling sections first because I was hesitant about us getting to that part. I will take what we learned today and apply it to my everyday practices in my daily life.”

–Ryan (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“[The clinic] helped me to see the wall and mentally see the route before climbing. Remember to breath (easier said than done).”

–Tammy (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“Defining the processes to systematically control my attention on what counts–climbing or thinking–already gives me the confidence I need to push myself in this sport.”

–Nathan (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“Falling is not something a climber practices normally. Practicing it and becoming less fearful of it allows one to climb more effectively/confidently.”

–Carl (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“None of these ideas are new or difficult. But, taking the time to consciously draw focus to the details reminds me why I love climbing to begin with!”

–Jenni (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“Really appreciated the individualized attention.”

–Debbie (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“Arno is an amazing instructor/coach. I learned many tools to use in my climbing. I highly recommend this class.”

–Betty (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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WW trainer Jeff Lodas tour to California, Oregon, Washington during Fall 2015

“Much more beneficial than expected. Look forward to applying the skills and taking more clinics.”
—Gareth
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“I was anxious about taking the class because of fear of lead falls. After the class my anxiety has lessened. It was really helpful to learn the correct sequence to falling in a safe way. I look forward to getting on lead now. The environment was very comfortable. I was unsure if I’d learn much, but the clinic exceeded my expectations.”
—Katie
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“A short and sweet boost to my climbing focus!”
—April
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“I was much more relaxed and confident in my lead climbing after the class. Also have a much more clear understanding of my need to shut off my mind.”
—Robin
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“Jeff was super knowledgeable and clear in his instruction. His demeanor was calming. Working up to falls was great. Practicing breathing was very helpful. Fun and very educational!”
—Tamiko
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“This class really helped me to switch between my mind and body, allowing me to assess the route and the fall potential and then climb while being fully present in my body.
—Clayton
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“Great class. I loved the falling! Real practice. The movement section will take years of practice to master. This is a great start to the rest of my climbing. THANK YOU.”
—Jeff
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“I feel empowered to push myself. I increased my toolbox for how to become a better and safer lead climber.”
—Kirstin
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“After taking the falling and commitment clinic 3 years ago, this refresher helped me see how helpful it was and how much I’ve incorporated the Warrior’s Way into my climbing. Now I have a more complete practice. Today’s clinic helped me fill in some mental and physical gaps.”
—Rebecca
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“I absolutely think that the mindful, thoughtful, intuitive approach is dead on, and this clinic – and Jeff – really gave me good tools to recognize and work with my fears and my ability to commit. As a very analytical climber, giving myself permission to move and be intuitive is huge for my climbing (and for life skills). Jeff is a very gentle but firm coach and has a great balance of being encouraging and honest.”
—Leanna
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This clinic gave me a new set of mental training tools to work with at the gym.”
—Samantha
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This class was great! I didn’t have much lead fall experience, and would easily panic when stressed on the wall. Jeff helped me learn how to think when I need to think, and climb when I need to climb.”
—Jess
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“Think less, climb more, work on movement and staying focused. Will feel more comfortable leading in future.”
—Wesley
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Understanding of what the next level looks like and the path to get there.”
—Federico
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“Training the most important muscle: the mind.”
—Andrew
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“This lesson taught me how to think better while climbing. Inspired.”
—Matt
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“This class helped me focus on the climbing process and certain aspects so I could improve my climbing technique.”
—Bennett
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“I learned that I can take fear and turn it around and make me better.”
—Olivia
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“I am now able to release most of my mental tension that I get when falling, because of this clinic.”
—Stella
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“It helped me be more confident.”
—Giddy
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“I got rid of my fear of letting go.”
—Ian
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“It will now allow me to try harder routes without having to ‘take’ and forfeit the flash because I’m scared.”
—Piper
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“Jeff has a very zen like way of approaching the hard and scary parts of climbing and making them approachable.”
—Joshua
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“This clinic aided my ability to assess fall safety and commit when safe. This ultimately led to climbing harder, and sending my hardest route to date!”
—Joe
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“I was nervous about the class because of my deep fear of falling. I was shocked by how pleasant falling could be – thanks to jeff! I also appreciated having an extra two hours to climb and put the new skills into action. Otherwise, I’m sure I’d go right back to my bad habits. Thank you very much!”
—Katherine
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“This clinic helped me incorporate thinking about where is or is not safe to fall as I progress up a route.”
—Karen
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“It was good for me to see a practice fall sequence with Jeff.”
—Jay
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“This clinic helped me feel more comfortable being deliberate with my climbing, and focusing on thinking or climbing, and not both at the same time.”
—Moira
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“An outstanding way to improve climbing approach and especially attitude in a few hours!”
—Simon
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“I learned that I can fall, and that if I do it right, it can actually be fun.”
—Bruno
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“This was great – I was so outside my comfort zone but after the initial exercises, I chilled out a ton. Thanks!”
—Meredith
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“I enjoyed this class. It was too short. Wish it was a four week course. Thank you for putting yourself out into the world to teach and help us climb better.”
—Erin
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“I thought it was great. Jeff was very thorough and had an awesome presence!”
—Brett
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“Jeff was spot on when he said I act on intuition. So when I came in saying I wanted to ‘quiet my mind’, it was much more telling that he wanted me to exercise my brain a bit more. Super helpful.”
—Matt
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“I think the clinic was beautiful. Keep doing what you’re doing.”
—Krystina
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“This was amazing! I learned a lot that can improve my climbing, but also lessons I can take to life. Keep it up!”
—Maryah
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“The Warrior’s Way clinic has helped me climb with calm, confidence, and peace of mind even at my absolute physical limit.”
—Michael
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“This helped me a lot. The falling especially helped me and made me less scared of falling. The breathing also helped me relax and think better.”
—Zach
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“The style of incremental falling felt really effective!”
—Tiffany
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“Was feeling stuck in my level and ability. Jeff gave me tools/techniques to break through to a new level and perspective.”
—Jeremy
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“I can climb better. Thanks for the lesson; very good material; great teacher.”
—Shai
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“Great class. Good foundation for future practice.”
—Jessica
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“I’ve learned to keep focus on what is important. Which is climbing or placing gear, not the fear of falling. I trust my gear more now too. This is definitely going to help me to be a better climber. And it was fun.”
—Michal
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“I learned the importance of relaxing and breathing in the ‘Lookings’ phase.”
—Matt
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“An awesome clinic – I would never allow myself to fall on lead. After the clinic, I feel a lot more comfortable and I don’t need the Kung Fu Death Grip. Much more relaxed and looking forward to more classes.”
—Mike
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“I feel that I have new tools in the box. Now it is up to me to use them effectively. Through practice and working outside my comfort zone.”

–David S (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“I thought this was an excellent class. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. I feel a lot more comfortable and a little less fearful of falling. Had a blast!”

–Lauren (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“My main issue was conquering mental preventers; this class helped me to train my body to be more prepared for these confrontations.”

–David P (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“Arno kept the lessons precise, in that is he KIS’d (keep it simple). He also reviewed and reviewed those KIS’s several time through the course. He was encouraging and followed through with gentle, calm smiles often, allows students to stay calm, relaxed, and receptive. Arno you rock!”

–Bleu (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“At 45, I’ve got certain physical limitations but the class showed me that I can use my intelligence as a strength to push beyond those.”

–Bob (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“I recognize that my brain makes me look in a certain direction while climbing because it is the direction that will put my body back in balance. Great course to make you feel at ease on the wall.”

–Richard  (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“Considering lead falls as a part of the climbing process, not as something to avoid [was helpful].”

–Lena  (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“This course helped me break climbing down into smaller tasks, focus my attention and be more intentional about climbing and face my fears about falling.”

–Angela  (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“Arno literally wrote the book on our experience today. Getting to climb with him was an honor. His teachings today greatly affected my confidence and helped move a mental block out of my way.”

–Noah (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“I have gotten much more comfortable falling and gotten much better at it.”

–Jacqueline (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“Confidence, happiness to know I can do falls.”

–Molly (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“I believe this clinic gave me the process tools to climb/fall with attention appropriately directed to my mind and body movements. I still have work to do, but the direction and process have definitely diminished my fear.”

–Allison (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“Arno took what I considered climbing and turned it into a method to achieve the goal. Once concerns of falling were eliminated, more focus could be given to climbing.”

–Beau (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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“Setting rest points before starting the climb helped me keep my momentum until those points, check in with myself and assess my position and progress on the wall. I feel more confident about commitment and falling and practicing the fundamentals was very helpful (eyes, breath, movement).”

–Sara (Climb Nashville, Nashville, TN)

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