Mental training is scarcely covered in the climbing literature, yet it is as important to performance as strength, flexibility, and technique. In his unique approach to mental training, Arno Ilgner draws essential elements from the rich “warrior” literature, as well as from sports psychology, and combines these with his extensive climbing experience to create The Rock Warrior’s Way.

Here is a comprehensive program for learning how to focus your mental resources during a challenging climb. It includes step-by-step guidance on motivation analysis, information gathering, risk assessment, mental focus, and deliberate transition into action.

Poor use of attention creates fear, which can manifest itself as anything from performance anxiety to sheer terror. By using attention more purposefully we can understand how fear is created, deal with it effectively, and free ourselves to get back in touch with a far more powerful motivating force: our love of climbing. We can then create the kind of unbending intention that leads to outstanding performance. The Rock Warrior’s Way is a revolutionary program for climbers who want to improve both their performance and their enjoyment of climbing.

“In The Rock Warrior’s Way Arno Ilgner illuminates the illusive mental states and processes that can hinder or free us to fully experience the purity of climbing.”
Chris Sharma

“Perceiving a climb as a journey, set in motion by intent, is a powerful stimulus for success, as this reviewer can personally attest.”
John Gill

“This is the first book I¹ve seen that addresses, in depth, the inner game of climbing—and it’s about time.”
Jim Bridwell

“Ilgner offers a serene, process-based way of improving your climbing that avoids the all-too-common pitfalls of anger, stagnation, and frustration.”
Matt Samet, Climbing Magazine