Years after losing his leg in a gang shooting, martial artist Lennie Orell is one step closer to achieving his goals.

By Todd Hudson | Email the author | June 5, 2011

In March, South Cobb Patch featured the story of Lennie Orrell, a South Cobb man who, after losing part of his right leg in a gang-related shooting, turned to the martial arts as means of rising above the mistakes of his youth. The response to Orrell’s story was remarkable, with readers expressing admiration, inspiration and well-wishes for his success.

Orrell expressed a number of goals, one of which was to become a certified martial arts instructor so that he could pass on some of the hope, courage and discipline that he has learned.

On Saturday, Orrell achieved the first part of that goal. In a ceremony held at Green Room Martial Arts in Mableton, Grand Master Charles Klughartpresented Orrell with a purple belt along with a certificate licensing him as an assistant instructor.

The certification is more than symbolic. Orrell is now recognized as a competent teacher by a number of different martial arts organizations. He is licensed not only to assist a senior instructor, but to teach in the instructor’s absence.

“When I first started here, not everyone was sure that I was really dedicated to seeing this through,” says Orrell. “What took place today shows that they have that confidence in me.”

Indeed, Klughart, the founder of Green Room Martial Arts, expressed his confidence in Orrell more than once, also presenting him with a sharpened Samurai sword in recognition of his place within the tradition as well as his skill with weapons.

This recognition reaches beyond the world of martial arts and into Orrell’s broader mission, which is reaching out to at-risk youth and inspiring them to meet life’s challenges with courage and integrity.

Having achieved this goal, Orrell has his sights on the next one: earning his black belt and becoming certified as a senior instructor. Achieving this goal will the springboard for yet another: opening a dojo aimed at training people with physical disabilities.

For more information on Green Room Martial Arts, visit their website atwww.greenroommartialarts.weebly.com