Arno Ilgner is founder and president of Desiderata Institute; a multi-faceted medium designed to specifically help climbers overcome mental obstacles that are inhibiting their performance. Since 1973 Arno has developed and perfected specific physical and mental training methods, which are not only unique but highly effective as well. These methods are taught in the Warrior's Way Courses, which are only available through Desiderata Institute. He also teaches courses on movement that help climbers improve their balance and create more energy efficient performances. These courses are mainly taught in the southeastern USA on various climbing crags or local gyms. However, he also travels to other areas to teach clinics and make presentations. Climbers have attended his courses from as far away as Canada, California, Florida, Maine, and England. Desiderata Institute is now adopting the Warrior's Way mental fitness program for other sports, businesses, and schools.

Arno was introduced to climbing in 1973 and has been actively involved since then climbing in areas across the USA and Canada, and abroad in France and Korea. Some of his significant first ascents are the 1100-foot East face of Cloud Peak in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming, the free team-ascent of the Glass Menagerie on the North Face of Looking Glass Rock in North Carolina, and numerous headwall routes on Whitesides Mountain also in North Carolina. Arno has written articles for various climbing publications and in 2003 published a book called The Rock Warrior's Way: Mental Training for Climber on his training method. He has been a member of the American Alpine Club since 1983.