After his competitive career, Gene LeBell and his brother Mike would run the National Wrestling Alliance's Los Angeles region between 1968 and 1982. 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. Thank you Gene for your friendship over the decades. LeBell would win the match osaekomi where the practitioner pins the opponent for a specified amount of time earning the victory. [2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books. 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. Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. #246C,Beverly, MA 01915,United States. AEW Revolution Preview, and Whats Going on With Brock, Bray, Bobby, and Omos? Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. I had a 2-stroke so i had to unload at an area specifiedthe 4-strokes rode the streets to the mountains and riding area.As i was driving my bike in my pick-up.Gene passed me standing on the seat of his XR doin a wheelieGene is an Amazing man.Open arms.. to a choke-out! UFC 285 Preview: Can Jon Jones Turn Back the Clock? May we all continue to learn from you and strive to reach the heights youve reached. !Thanks for the memories!! Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. I made very good money, and it led me into a career in stunt work.. [31], On August 9, 2022, LeBell died in his sleep.[32][33]. You truly are a one-off, a living legend. 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. 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 . Gene LeBell Dead: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Was 89 - Deadline (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Bas Rutten, Gokor Chivichyan, Paul Lazenby and Josh Barnett during a celebration of life for Judo Gene LeBell on what would have been his 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. Judo Gene LeBell has died at age 89 - Cageside Seats Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), The late Judo Gene LeBells 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 friends, students, family, Year after the slap, Chris Rock punches back in new special, At least 5 hurt, suspect at large in San Pedro shooting, Snowed-in Crestline residents make the best of it with volunteers, booze, San Bernardino mountain residents grow worried as they cant access medicine, supplies, Gene LeBell, iconic martial arts pioneer, dies at the age of 89, How Victor Henry found himself making his UFC debut Saturday at age 34, She will hurt you: Ronda Rousey, 24, owns it in MMA ring, UFC 199: Mauro Ranallo, Bas Rutten offer Inside MMA perspectives, UFC heavyweight Josh Barnett looks to keep climbing ranks, California Republicans give a boost to Florida Gov. We are all so proud of you, youre a legend. Along with the awards received for feats in judo and grappling, LeBell was the 2005 recipient of the Frank Gotch Award in celebration of the positive recognition he brought to the sport of wrestling. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Martial artist Bas Rutten poses for a photo with Midge LeBell, wife of Judo Gene LeBell, during a celebration of his life on what would have been Genes 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. Bruce Lee. He was known by many as the Godfather of Grappling, and influenced fighters around the world. Bryan Danielson's LeBell Lock was named after the legendary grappler. Gene LeBell - Biography - IMDb Could Gene LeBell, the 'real life Cliff Booth', beat up Bruce Lee? Congratulations my brother!!! Ron DeSantis presidential prospects, Taft football coach Jeff Kearin steps down in support of school faculty member, Baram and Tioumentsev win World Junior title hours after their coach, Todd Sand, suffers heart attack, Snow collapses roof of Goodwin and Sons, Crestlines only grocery store, Gracie Abrams behind Good Riddance message in Los Angeles sky, Tax filing deadline moves to mid-October for most Californians, Alpine Village shopkeepers get confirmation: theyre being evicted, Ex-sheriffs deputy gets 100 hours of community service for shooting hoax, $31 million goes to San Fernando Valley light-rail line and to engage community, Who will replace ex-LA councilmember Nury Martinez? He was a man that no endeavor was too tall for him to accomplish, Josh Barnett said of LeBell. You are an inspiration!! 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. He also had 8 grandchildren. Neil Melanson Weve worked together for over (50) years and its been (50) years of pure delight. "Judo" Gene LeBell Tribute - YouTube Gene LeBell - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia LeBell demonstrated the choke hold by putting it on Seagal. We love him! Born in Los Angeles in 1932, LeBell was shipped off to a military. Its great having such a role model to look up to. [citation needed], While serving as stunt coordinator for the film Out for Justice, starring Steven Seagal, Seagal stated that due to his aikido training he was 'immune' to being choked unconscious. [2] [5], LeBell has been reported as the inspiration for the character of Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Grand Master Gi Grappling by Gokor Chivichyan. Gene LeBell - Age, Bio, Faces and Birthday This is his wish, to do this, and I promised him that Im going to do this on his birthday, and I keep my promise today.. He was 89. Home | hayastanmma Whether through his chokes or his jokes, Gene LeBell has been an inspiration for more people than he will ever realize. G-E-N-E Capital-L-E-Capital-B-E-L-L. . LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Famous wrestler, Martial artist Ivan Gene LeBell better known as Gene LeBell, passes away at 89. 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.. He worked in. 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. Gene LeBell, iconic martial arts pioneer, dies at the age of 89 - Daily Gene LeBell, also known as 'Judo Gene LeBell' is best known for, you guessed it, judo. Neil Melanson - Wikipedia He was born there on November 27, 1940, making him a dual Hong Kong and United States citizen by birth. Osu J.J. Perry, Gene, Ill never forget the time on set, when you let me try and choke you out. 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. Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. LeBell, Gene [WorldCat Identities] He repeated this dominant performance in 1955, winning all but one of his 18 matches solely with standing throws. Most of his notoriety came after the release of his biggest film, Enter the Dragon, that same year. God Bless you Gene and your lovely wife and thanks you for all the things you taught me. While working at the stunt coordinator for Seagal's film Out for Justice, the two of them met to test Seagal's statement. He is currently the head grappling coach at Jaco Hybrid Training Center.He is the former head grappling coach at both . He is there to help you any time any where. Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman, Martial Artist And Bruce Lee's Teacher The promoters were looking for karate and judo bumsvery distinct striking and grappling specialties, though LeBell knew the basics of karateto fight a boxer, whom LeBell assumed would be Jim Beck, a highly regarded amateur who had called out the practitioners of those sports. Working with Gene on many television and films, I learned how to take judo and marital art punches and kicks and fly through the air, crazing through various objects to the ground . Gene LeBell, 89, Judo Champion, Wrestler and Star Stuntman, Dies Gene has trained with numerous other world champion martial artists includingChuck Norris,Bill Wallace, andBenny Urquidez. Melanson specializes in catch wrestling, while drawing elements from judo, and focuses his coaching specifically on grappling in mixed martial arts.He is especially known for his guard work, leg locks and triangle chokes. They knew each other and worked together on the Green Hornet. The athletic youngster tested himself with such self-imposed challenges as scaling 60-foot-high lighting stanchions to replace spent bulbs. [8] Gene also wrestled under a black mask as The Hangman, teaming up with Roy Staggs. Congrats to the amazing living legend John Stoneham, Jr. Congratulations Gene, you know I love you, and Im so very very proud of you. Martial arts legend 'Judo' Gene LeBell dies at 89 - MMA Fighting Gary Davis, So awesome!!! Over a legendary career as a judoka, pro wrestler, and Hollywood stuntman, LeBell was a pioneer in mixed martial arts and choreographed violenceand one of the toughest guys in the business. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. LeBell later mentored world-class athletes and silver screen legends. After spending time training Judo overseas in Japan at the Kodokan, in 1954 the 22 year old Gene Lebell would capture both the heavyweight and the overall Judo Championships. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . The Cauliflower Alley Club presented the award. August 10, 2022 11:30 am ET. Gene LeBell talks about Bruce Lee. Ill toast you from Texas! Contents Roddy Piper Talks MMA and Judo Gene LeBell J.N. The Toughest Man Alive. 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. Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. LeBell is also a writer and has penned a dozen books on martial arts. You were a better reference than SAG! LeBell was also a judo and grappling prodigy. Norman Howell, Congratulations Gene LeBell an incredible Honor an so well deserved. Bottles, chairs, and other debris were thrown into the ring. Thank you, Mr. LeBell! [21], The popularity of this incident led LeBell to be counted in 1992 as a potential additional member of Robert Wall's controversial "Dirty Dozen," a group of martial artists willing to answer to a public challenge made by Seagal. Over the course of this six-decade career, LeBell had a hand in training many prominent players in the entertainment, wrestling, and MMA worlds. A half-century ago, Pink Floyd unleashed a classic that still lingers on the Billboard charts and in college dorms to this day. Extant fight footage shows a stocky LeBell, probably 60 to 70 pounds heavier than he was when he debuted in judo, cautiously circling and then struggling to throw the much smaller man, who exhibited sound wrestling defense. We are incredibly sad to report that our hero, dear friend and Stunts Unlimited brother passed away yesterday, August 9th, 2022 at the age of 89. 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. if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it. However, the writing was on the wall for Savage: LeBell threw and then mounted the boxer in the second round, although he couldnt secure a finish, then hip-tossed him in the fourth round before using a gi choke to render his foe unconsciousmuch to the displeasure of the crowd, which was unused to seeing people choked in this way. "My . Hans Gutknecht has been a photojournalist at the Los Angeles Daily News since 1992. With a background in judo and jiu-jitsu, LeBell was the mastermind behind some of the greatest fighters in the world. His mother, Aileen Eaton, promoted fights at the Olympic Auditorium and was the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of . LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. 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.. It goes to a great man of strength, integrity and honor. The simplest version of the tale has Seagal boasting that he couldnt be choked out, and LeBell, then in his 50s and significantly smaller than the 6-foot-4 actor, going behind the star, then taking him to the ground and choking him out. Lee was especially interested in exploring grappling with help from him and exchanged ideas[19] on various fighting techniques. By the time he transitioned to judo in the early 1950s, LeBell had already spent untold hours in submission holds and on the receiving end of punches from boxers like the great Sugar Ray Robinson at L.A.s famous Main Street Gym. LeBell was the third man inside the ring of one of the most famous matches in Japanese history and one that had worldwide attention. 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. Being 63 years old, LeBell declined to compete or to send a representative, instead suggesting a match against Royce's 82-year-old father, the renowned Hlio Gracie. In addition to Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, LeBell also tutored the likes of Roddy Piper (who claimed in his autobiography to have received a black belt in judo from LeBell, though this is likely as spurious as the impossible-to-verify Golden Gloves championship he was sometimes reported as having won), Olympic bronze medalist judoka and future UFC and WWE star Ronda Rousey (who always cited him as an important mentor), American judo champion and instructor Gokor Chivichyan, and Chivichyans Armenian American judo student Karo Parisyan, one of the first notable judo practitioners in the UFC. Lewis, Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another: What! August 18 | 2022. blackbeltmag.com. Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 The legendary story of Steven Seagal and 'Judo' Gene Lebell On August 7, 2004, the World Martial Arts Masters Association promoted him to 10th degree. Oops. When he arrived, Gene LeBell learned that he would not be fighting Beck, but instead a much more well-known boxer in Milo Savage. [17] Ultimately, nothing came from it. Ronnie and Mary Rondell, Congratulations Uncle Gene! The tributes for "Judo" Gene LeBell, who died on August 9, 2022, at age 89, poured in after news of his passing starting circulating. According to a 2014 interview in Black Belt, LeBell had no idea the fight would be as significant as later developments in the sport of MMA have made it. Gene LeBell heard about the proclamation and decided to take Seagal up on the challenge. 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. Gene LeBell is currently married to Wendy LeBell whom he married in 1977. The loss by the hometown boxer nearly caused a riot to breakout and despite the promotions attempt to calm the violence, Gene LeBell was nearly stabbed on the way out of the venue. Are the Lakers dead? 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. Mal, Jo, and Ben get together to talk about where the Mandalorian people are, what adventure awaits Din and Grogu, and much more. 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. LeBell served as the inspiration for Brad Pitt's character in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.. For 89 years, few did that work better than Judo Gene LeBell. The late 'Judo' Gene LeBell's 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 "Judo" Gene LeBell the "Godfather of Grappling" was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywood's busiest stuntmen. Well deserved.- Bonnie Happy, Well deserved. Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. Billy Robinson. 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. He popularized grappling in pro-fighting circles and had a famous run-in with Steven Seagal. Interview with Gene LeBell. Without locking the hold, Seagal side stepped and swung his forearm backwards into his crotch. You can follow him on Twitter (@MoustacheClubUS) and read more of his work at www.oliverbateman.com. The judoka and his team showed their sportsmanship by helping to revive Savage using kappo, as neither the referee nor the ring doctor knew how to resuscitate him. The only thing that is different is that judo has strangleholds, which arent done in pro wrestling., Although LeBell considered full-time careers as a boxer and a judoka, the lure of better money in pro wrestling and Hollywood stunt productionsas well as connections to both industriesled him into those fields. Gary Goltz. Way to go Uncle Gene!!! He was acquitted and continued performing stunts for the big and small screen, alike. "My name is Gene LeBell. developed adult skills by 13. You may have seen his name in the credits of countless movies and television shows dating back to the late 1960's. You may have caught the "Godfather of Grappling" in one of his matches in the world of professional wrestling, you may know him as the "toughest man on the . He subsequently dominated auditions for the role of Mr. Kryptonite in the Superman TV series, which ran from 1952 to 1958; actor George Reeves, who played the Man of Steel, hired him on the spot after seeing his high-flying judo rolls and flips. For most of Eatons time in the business, she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, possibly even the world. [21] He was quoted as saying: "When we had a little altercation or difference of opinion, there were thirty stuntmen and cameramen that were watching. Tanner Gill, Congrats Uncle Gene!! Ed Lewis. He was set to compete the following day and being a Saturday evening when he received the now colored uniform, he had to compete in the pink uniform. Andy Gill, Congratulations Gene !!! The boxer blocked the move, which aggravated an old shoulder injury of LeBell. "[21], When Seagal was asked about the incident, he denied the incident took place, calling LeBell a "sick, pathological scumbag liar" and offered the name of a witness who could discredit the other account. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Some have pointed out that LeBell making easy work of Lee on set may have inspired the scene in Quentin Tarantinos Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in which Brad Pitt, playing veteran stuntman Cliff Booth, has his way with Bruce Lee (played by actor and martial artist Mike Moh) in an on-set sparring match. Rick Seaman, Well Geno, they said it couldnt be done but youve done it again. 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. Jimmy Roberts, Gene youve always told me Im the best but your THE GREATEST Love ya, Manny Perry, I owe everything to Gene. Ian Avabe, You Rock a Master of all well deserved Si PJ Hooper Kelly, Congratulations Gene. The belt was immediately seized from the shocked Gene, which in later years would cause him to comment, Well, at least I was the champ for 12 seconds and I retired as champion. (Gene LeBell Biography), Gene went on to fight numerous opponents over the years including practitioners from other fighting arts that scoffed at Genes prowess, however they learned the hard way that Genes superb grappling skills were the real deal. Gene LeBell | Profile with News, Stats, Age & Height - Sports Pundit In addition to his judo background, LeBell has an extensive background in submission grappling and catch wrestling, and has trained under Lou Thesz, Karl Gotch and Ed "Strangler" Lewis. Gene LeBell - MMA & Wrestling Pioneer - Passes Away At 89 - TheMix.net He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. Tim Gilbert, This tribute is well deserved. After winning amateur national competitions in judo, LeBell decided to make the switch to pro wrestling as it offered more lucrative earnings. Gene LeBell was a man who lived a full and adventurous life. To start academies, and then have a lineage of students that he brought up, not just martial arts but also film., Barnett said of his accomplishments, Its really just incredible to see someone be able to tip the scales of the world with just his own hands like that. There is no one alive on this planet that deserves this Life Time Achievement Award more than you. As wellback in the day..i drove out to ride motos with Gene & some friends at his area in Frazier Park. [8], In 1963, LeBell became involved with a challenge by boxer and writer Jim Beck to the practitioners of Japanese martial arts. Despite this long legacy in the worlds of pro wrestling and MMA, LeBell, always chasing the smart money, never hung around too long on the mat in either sport: Theres only 1 in 1,000 MMA fighters who make money, he told Black Belt magazine in 2014. Little Mo and Lou, Uncle Gene has been a trusted mentor, ardent Sensei and dear friend to me and countless other stunt people throughout the years. Interview with Gene LeBell - Kung-fu Kingdom Those were great times !! The Ploys and Tactics Behind Oscar Campaigning, A Secret Laundromat Meetup, New Jersey Episode 4, and Potomac Reunion Part 2. He is highly respected by many martial artists all over the world, and has . LeBell was never a main-event star in wrestling and by even the most generous assessment wasnt exactly a crowd-pleaser in the ring. So well deserved!! Here's an attempt to share some of those posts and tweets from the cross . Gene LeBell, a renowned stuntman who trained Bruce Lee and inspired the likes of Quentin Tarantino, died in his sleep Tuesday morning at his home in Sherman Oaks, California, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Legendary MMA Trainer Gene LeBell Has Passed Away At 89 It was in her promotion that a Texas-born grappler named George Wagner first donned an elaborate robe, dyed his hair blond, walked to the ring with a valet, and became the 1950s television sensation Gorgeous George, the toast of the coast.. Then consider checking: 100 Cummings Ctr. I tried to get your son some work but hes always at the beach. LeBell helped Seagal up. Mr. LeBell died on Aug. 9 at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles. After, my arms were trembling with strain, you told me to stop and smiled at me, and said kid, dont quit your day job. 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. Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts, and we would get together frequently. Freddie Blassie. He had spent time in Japan training at the Kodokan. However, no context is provided for the encounterup until the fight, Booths martial arts credentials, unlike LeBells, are completely unknown, and he defeats Lee on the feet rather than with wrestling techniques. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), The remarkable Judo Gene LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts well into his 80s.