Present-day UFC fans probably best remember him from his time spent wielding a stopwatch in the corner of his protege, Ronda Rousey, while wrestling fans might know his name from when Daniel Bryan used to call his finisher the LeBell Lock. But despite that, the MMA pioneer isnt a household name, which is a shame, because if youre a fan of combat sports, he absolutely should be. Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. Meet the real life Cliff Booth from 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood', "Gene LeBell vs Milo Savage: Gene LeBell Saved Martial Arts", "Matches Gene LeBell Wrestlers Database CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database", "TOUGH GUYS WEAR PINK IN ANY COLOR, JUDO MASTER AND FILM STUNTMAN GENE LEBELL IS ONE HARD HOMBRE", Gene LeBell talks Steven Seagal s-ing himself, https://www.mmafighting.com/strikeforce/2012/3/11/2858055/judo-gene-lebell-ronda-rousey-mma-judging-choking-out-steven-segal, Steven Seagal denies Gene LeBell made him poop his pants, "Ronda Rousey: 'If Steven Seagal says anything about Gene LeBell to my face, I'll make him crap his pants', "Truth Finally Revealed on Seagal and LeBell According to Actual Eyewitness Steven Lambert Testimony! Is MJF the Second Coming of CM Punk? You too? Over the course of this six-decade career, LeBell had a hand in training many prominent players in the entertainment, wrestling, and MMA worlds. wrote the Stuntmans Association of Motion Pictures in a statement to Variety, whose portrayal of an overconfident Lee by actor Mike Moh in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood spurred backlash. Without locking the hold, Seagal side stepped and swung his forearm backwards into his crotch. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic both had 40-point games after the Sixers loss against the Mavs. LeBell was the third man inside the ring of one of the most famous matches in Japanese history and one that had worldwide attention. Your positivity and generosity knows no limit. LeBell's students included AnnMaria De Mars, the first American to ever win a gold medal at the World Judo Championships in 1984, and De Mars' daughter, Ronda Rousey, who became the first. [27] He also did interviews for magazines, newspapers, and radio. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! He also had 8 grandchildren. He judged UFC 74 (Randy Couture vs. Gabriel Gonzaga) plus he had a highly popular website visited by martial arts and film fans all over the globe. And Thank You for all those Decals and Patches you sent Charlotte and I each Christmas. Long overdue! Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. [7] In 1954 and 1955, while only 22 years of age, he captured both the heavyweight and overall Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. Congratulations! Gene LeBell, the colorful judo champion, wrestler and stuntman who trained Bruce Lee, fought Elvis Presley and John Wayne in the movies and was an inspiration for Brad Pitt's character in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, has died.He was 89. if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it. Along with many others, speakers included Ronda Rousey, former UFC champion, WWE professional wrestler, actress and Olympic Judo medalist; Bas Rutten, former UFC Heavyweight Champion and a three-time King of Pancrase world champion; catch wrestler, former UFC Heavyweight Champion, former Openweight King of Pancrase world champion, and Bellator fighter; and AnnMaria De Mars, first American to win a gold medal at the World Judo Championships. Whats legacy, anyway? We couldnt prouder. A student of catch wrestling titans Lou Thesz, Karl Gotch, and Ed "Strangler" Lewis, LeBell's notable students include Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Ronda Rousey. "Judo" Gene LeBell the "Godfather of Grappling" is both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywood's busiest stuntmen. Gene LeBell has had a number of notable students throughout the years, from Hollywood legends like Chuck Norris and Roddy Pipper, to martial arts masters such as Gokor Chivichyan, Karo Parisyan, Ronda Rousey, Neil Melanson, Ed Parker and Benny "The Jet" Urquidez to name a few. Mike Smith, Congratulations on this most deserving award for a really great guy. 'The Godfather of Grappling' evolved to be a popular figure in the martial arts world after he extended to various other forms of sports, including judo and mixed martial arts. He sparred with James Cagney while shooting "Blood on the Sun" in 1945, allowing the famous actor to dominate the 20-minute skirmish which . LeBell passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, just two months shy of being a nonagenarian. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. God bless. I feel really fortunate to have had him as a part of my life as it is, and really glad to also been able to tell him what an amazing human being, and what an amazing martial artist, he was straight to his face.. Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars. Ill never forget that moment, congratulations brother. In February 2005, the USJJF made him 9th dan in judo. Lee was especially interested in exploring grappling with help from him and exchanged ideas[19] on various fighting techniques. LeBells years of stunt work and fight choreography also introduced grappling to the world of action movies, where it is now commonplace to see fighters turned actors such as Randy Couture and Gina Carano using submission holds in their action sequences. The combatants were initially cautious, with LeBell being the first in pressing the action by attempting to throw Savage down. He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. Besides being a boxer, Milo Savage also had a background in wrestling. An additional stipulation prevented LeBell from attempting tackles or takedowns under the waist. To prevent a full-blown riot, hometown hero and rated professional boxer Jay Fullmer (brother of boxers Gene and Don Fullmer) entered the ring to congratulate LeBell. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. Martial Art: Take a wild guess.Notable Achievements: "Judo" Gene LeBell has arguably the most impressive MMA resume of anyone on this list, and LeBell's conviction for being an accessory was later overturned by the California Courts of Appeal. Gene LeBell Record, Net Worth, Weight, Age & More. He was a man that no endeavor was too tall for him to accomplish, Josh Barnett said of LeBell. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . Hardcover - January 1, 2004. Steve Boyum, Absolutely couldnt go to a better candidate. You always got the cool moves to Choke em Out .. stay healthy my friend .. Love, Troy Gilbert, Unreal. As described in Jonathan Snowdens Shooters, the match was a gripping affair, with the gripping part complicated by the fact that instead of wearing a loose judo gi, as he had promised, Savage instead showed up in a tighter-fitting karate gi intended to make it difficult for LeBell to grab and hold him (below-the-waist takedowns of the sort that LeBell believed to be most effective against boxers were barred). LeBell died in his sleep early Tuesday morning at his home in Sherman Oaks, his trustee and business manager, Kellie Cunningham, told The Hollywood Reporter. LeBells top student, Gokor Chivichyan, hosted the event at his martial arts academy to celebrate the life of his mentor and close friend. [13] He also continued to work in professional wrestling intermittently, wrestling his final match on August 29, 1981, against Peter Maivia for NWA Hollywood Wrestling. Eager to claim the $1,000 purseId fight my grandmother for $1,000, but shed have beaten me, LeBell saidthe judoka found himself facing not Beck but Savage, who not only was an accomplished professional boxer but a man with a solid knowledge of wrestling fundamentals. I have ridden on the back of his bike for one of his marathon wheelies.Pine Mtn Club so much fun. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . LeBell was 89 years old. It was a fascinating collection of people mourning too, from the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts, acting, and beyond. Voters will soon get a say, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Sandra Brumfield Avo, Gene is as it has been said amongst the fight world..is the Toughest Man. Congratulations Gene Eric Norris, Gene LeBell is my hero and always has been. Many modern-day MMA fans recognize LeBell as the one who is present in many of Rousey's early games, coaching her on. "I learned the [LeBell Lock] from a guy named Neil Melanson," Danielson told the WWE website in 2010. Genes feature film appearances include Blue Hawaii (1965), Planet of the Apes (1968), Raging Bull (1980), Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985), Bad Guys (1986), Hard to Kill (1990), Die Hard 2 (1990), Patriot Games (1992), Ed Wood (1994), L.A. It is alleged that as soon as LeBell placed his arms around Seagal's neck and Seagal said "go" that LeBell choked him unconscious. Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. Ed Lewis. Bob Debbie Hennessey, Congrats Gene. What are you doing? LeBell remembers the helmer lamenting. Alan Oliney, Hey Gene, Thanks for being a four-star mentor to so many and thanks for being Gene Lebell. Thank you Gene for your friendship over the decades. Don't miss a beat. So they said I could make good money in professional wrestling, which I did. Some of his most famous students were, Ronda Rousey, Sugar Ray Robinson,. Andy Gill, Congratulations Gene !!! With respect, Missy OMalley-Reynolds, Uncle Gene, Thanks for never burning our house down. [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963. [26], The pink colored judo gi became a trademark of LeBell and was a result of a laundry mixup while preparing for a competition in Japan. Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner. Almost everyone present to honor him wore a Gene LeBell tee-shirt, and his widow Midge sported a sweater covered in patches that LeBell made over the years to give out to fans for souvenirs. However, in his excitement Gene swung the title belt around his head, which accidentally hit one of the wrestling commissioners on the head, causing a nasty gash. Hamstrung by rules barring takedowns, strikes on the ground, and submission holds, the fight devolved into a tedious 15-round affair in which Ali taunted and showboated while Inoki crab-walked along the mat, kicking Alis legs. Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. Afterwards, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling. He is currently the head grappling coach at Jaco Hybrid Training Center.He is the former head grappling coach at both . Gene is survived by his wife Midge, his children Monica and David; stepchildren Danny and Stacey; and grandchildren Daniel, Tyler and Nicholas. Gene, I appreciate the things youve accomplished in life, and acknowledge your generosity to those you have helped to achieve theirs. Gary Goltz. Known by many as "the Godfather of Grappling", LeBell helped make the grappling arts like Judo, Wrestling, and Jiu Jitsu popular in professional fighting circles. [10] Also, according to LeBell and other sources, Savage's gloves contained brass knuckles[9][10] and he had greased up his gi with vaseline to make gripping it more difficult. [10] LeBell tried several techniques through the second and third rounds and was finally successful in taking Savage down, but Savage kept defending both standing and on the ground in a very technical manner, seemingly confirming LeBell's theory about his opponent's grappling training. Wear this Award well my friend. The Alabama passer is one of the smallest QB prospects to be pegged as a first-round pick. It has been alleged that at some point LeBell heard about the claim and gave Seagal the opportunity to prove it. [8], In 1963, LeBell became involved with a challenge by boxer and writer Jim Beck to the practitioners of Japanese martial arts. [10], The loss by Savage, the hometown favorite, caused the crowd to react violently. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett, talks about Judo Gene LeBell during a celebration of LeBells life on what would have been his 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! At the insistence of friend and martial artist, Ed Parker, Gene LeBell accepted the challenge match and travelled to Utah to fight Beck. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. Gene taught my three sons how to take every day life in the training under Gene. Savanah Dawn Lilley, The one and only Uncle Gene! A industry standard, and great human being! However, Gene LeBell was a 10th degree judo black belt and one of the toughest men on the planet, so the director knew this wouldn't happen to him. All the best! [10][11] Nevertheless, LeBell got mount and found the opportunity to execute an armbar, but he opted instead to seek a choke, concluding that Savage would not surrender to a broken arm. He began training catch wrestling at age 7 with Ed "The Strangler" Lewis. I have always been inspired by this quality in you Uncle Gene and I cherish the memories of the many great experiences we have had together. Freddie Blassie, who starred for Aileen Eaton and Mike LeBell for decades, wrote in his autobiography Legends of Wrestling: Listen, You Pencil Neck Geeks that LeBells believability in the ring wasnt what mattered to Mike and Aileenit was his credibility: When the family needed an enforcer to step into the ring with a wrestler who didnt want to go along with the program, all they had to do was open Genes bedroom door and tell him to get into his wrestling gear.. His first match would be against the highly ranked judoka John Osako. Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI . As wellback in the day..i drove out to ride motos with Gene & some friends at his area in Frazier Park. He is the author of 12 martial arts books. When I first came to town in 1987, I remember trying to get my hands on one those Stunt Rate breakdown cards you used to make. You used to practice on your son David and I used to say to him I want to try that too, to be choked out by your dad. At four months old (April 1941), the Lee family returned to Hong Kong. To quote C.S. 2005, Learn how and when to remove this template message, contest between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki, Golden Boy Promotions: Liddell vs. Ortiz 3, NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship, George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, NWA "Beat the Champ" Television Championship, NWA North American Heavyweight Championship, "IBK International Kyokushin Budokai Blak Belts", "Roots of Fight Brings Us the Story of "Judo" Gene LeBell MMA Pioneer and Terrifying Old Man", "Could Gene LeBell beat up Bruce Lee? Are the Lakers dead? Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. The latter then accepted, but only if LeBell could drop 100 pounds to reach his weight, otherwise he would have to face Royce's brothers, similarly 20 years younger than LeBell though still lighter than him. And in February, 2005 Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree black belt in judo by USJJF. This scene is loosely based on world class Judoka Gene LeBell . In one scene, Brad Pitt plays a stuntman (Cliff Booth) and beats up Bruce Lee on the set of The Green Hornet in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Erik Stabenau, Congratulations Gene. He popularized grappling in pro-fighting circles and had a famous run-in with Steven Seagal. "My name is Gene LeBell. LeBell's longtime friend Bas Rutten first revealed the news on Facebook. To succeed in the NFL, hell need to be an outlier among outliers. His death was announced by Kellie Cunningham, his trustee and business manager, who did not. !Thanks for the memories!! [7] Despite his pedigree, he did not get over immediately with audiences but gradually became known for his martial arts background. Instead of being hit first, it was LeBell who would put Bruce Lee in a headlock and carry him around the set. Craig Frosty Silva, Gene LeBell What can anybody tell you about Gene LeBell? LeBell recalled throwing Lee over his shoulder and running around set as Lee screamed, Put me down or Ill kill you. The pair became friends, and LeBell taught Lee judo and wrestling moves, many of which Lee used in his movies, The Way of The Dragon and Enter the Dragon., He was the best martial artist of his time, LeBell recalled in Black Belt Magazine. LeBell is also a writer and has penned a dozen books on martial arts. Neil Melanson is an American submission grappling coach. He was 89. Judo Gene!!! Congratulations, Connie P Conrad Palmisano, Congratulations Uncle Gene for receiving the lifetime award. Muhammad Ali. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. I am so glad I was there Live to see it ! Gene LeBell was a man who lived a full and adventurous life. All my love and respect Pat Romano, Ya ya Uncle Gene , to one of the Gilberts favorite people . Heavyweight and Overall Judo Championships in 1954, and again in 1955 - long before Judo became an Olympic sport and was broadly appreciated in the western world. People gather to celebrate the life of Judo Gene LeBell on what would have been his 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. Neil Melanson Steven Seagal was a highly trained aikido expert and because of this, he would proclaim to the world that he was immune to choking. LeBell has made himself the nicknames "Judo" Gene LeBell, "The Godfather of Grappling" and also "The Toughest Man Alive" for his . 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The pictures above are from the TV show Fall Guy and I told Gene I didnt want to hit him on the bike and he said I dont want you to hit me eitheryou may hurt yourself. Congratulations Gene, you earned this award and no one in this world is taking it away from the Toughest man Alive. Jack Gill. Outside of the fight game, LeBell worked in film & television, appearing in multiple Elvis Presley movies and working on The Green Hornet TV series, where he struck up a friendship with Bruce Lee. LeBell is back in the limelight on the 50th anniversary of what's considered the first notable mixed martial arts fight in the United States, even though the term wasn't used: His Dec. 2, 1963 . In his book Shooters: The Toughest Men in Professional Wrestling, long-time MMA journalist Jonathan Snowden described LeBell as a horrible professional wrestler from a technical perspective, a tough guy who looked soft in the ring and remained stuck on the undercard of his brother Mike LeBells wrestling events, wrestling under his own name or beneath a mask as the Hangman. He did claim to have won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1960 from Pat OConnor in a match in Dory Funks Amarillo, Texas, territory, repeating this assertion to both Black Belt and Sports Illustrated, but the victory was almost certainly part of a wrestling story line, with LeBell accidentally striking the Texas wrestling commissioner with the belt and forcing its immediate return to OConnor. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, especially us. [23] LeBell's trainee Ronda Rousey, assured Seagal was the one lying and said: "If [Seagal] says anything bad about Gene to my face, I'd have to make him crap his pants a second time. Others awarded have been James Cagney, Kirk Douglas, Karl Malden, Cesar Romero, Mickey Rooney, and Sylvester Stallone (movie stars that also did boxing and wrestling). Never ever have I known a man so talented, having so much wisdom and experience, so giving of his knowledge and skills and yet being so humble. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman "Judo" Gene LeBell would have turned 90. Gene LeBell, who died on August 9 at age 89, led a life so expansive that any mere retelling of it would come across like a tall tale, the stuff of Pecos Bill and Paul Bunyanif all of it werent true. And later on, there is discussion of whether or not double-dipping is an acceptable way to eat! Love, Greg & Barbie Barnett, Youve been my hero my entire career. Could James Harden Potentially Return to Houston After the Season? LeBell also gained notoriety for the way he dealt with the notoriously eccentric and aggressive Steven Seagal on the set of the 1991 film Out for Justice. Ronda Rousey. Although LeBell would remain undefeated in the sport for eight years, even traveling to Japan in 1955 to further his judo skillsand, following a laundry mishap, adopt the pink gi that became a signature piece of his in-ring lookhis interests were too varied to allow him to focus exclusively on one sport. Sugar Ray Robinson. You were a better reference than SAG! Congratulations Uncle Gene! Since Hayastan MMA Academy first opened its door, it has been one of the top gyms in the world. Gene LeBell died in his sleep on August 9 th 22, at age 89, two months to the day shy of his 90 th birthday. Love ya, Bax Craig Baxley, Sr. Gene LeBell: Bruce Lee in the UFC, Ronda Rousey, if anybody can beat her, Judo in MMA, Jimmy Kimmel, Congratulations Gene..its about time!!! BJJ Fanatics was started by a pair of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts who know that nothing is more important for a fellow fanatic than their time on the mat. Gene LeBell was born on October 09, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States, is Stunts, Actor, Miscellaneous Crew. You have definitely earned it for all your contributions to the industry. Contents Roddy Piper Talks MMA and Judo Gene LeBell This is very much deserved. He has fought, trained and performed with a dizzying array of some of the most prolific athletes and actors in the world. Rick Seaman, Well Geno, they said it couldnt be done but youve done it again. The late 'Judo' Gene LeBell's 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 friends, students, family LeBell's top student, Gokor Chivichyan, held the event at his martial arts academy, remembering a . Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! A notable one was the 'Hot Rod' himself, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. LeBells career wasnt without controversy of its own, thoughnot long after refereeing the Ali-Inoki fight in 1976, he was arrested for his role in the murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall, whose residence contained hours of phone recordings connected to powerful local figures and even the 1972 presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. I was told that all the judo and karate people were not making any money at that time; they were starving, LeBell recalled in that interview.
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