"[22] After being asked whether he was not going to directly confirm it, LeBell said: "Well, if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it. Wear this Award well my friend. "LeBell parlayed his pain-inducing skills into careers in martial arts, professional wrestling and Hollywood stunt work, making him the ultimate a**-kicking Renaissance man. [25], LeBell has earned himself the nicknames "Judo" Gene LeBell, "the Godfather of Grappling" and also "the toughest man alive" for his participation in combat sports. On August 7, 2004, the World Martial Arts Masters Association promoted him to 10th degree. Ill toast you from Texas! To round out his education in the martial arts, he also began frequenting the Main Street Gym in Los Angeles, where the West Coast's best boxers gathered. He was acquitted of the murder charge but convicted as an accessory for driving the convicted murderer, pornographer Jack Ginsburgs, to and from the murder scene. whose residence contained hours of phone recordings, was acquitted on a murder charge but convicted and sentenced to probation as an accessory, Bryan Danielson Is the Best Hes Ever Been According to Bryan Danielson, Jon Joness Last Stand, Wembys Ceiling, Jokic Backlash, and UFOs With Ariel Helwani and Chuck Klosterman. Seagal has later flatly denied the claim and LeBell has not gone as far to 100% confirm, though his student and long time friend Ronda Rousey has stood up for LeBell's honor in interviews. Gene LeBell Did It All 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. 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. Don't miss a beat. He taught me how to fight, taught me how to ride. Freddie Blassie. I have ridden on the back of his bike for one of his marathon wheelies.Pine Mtn Club so much fun. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. [7][8], Following his combat sports career, LeBell, along with his brother Mike, ran the National Wrestling Alliance's Los Angeles territory, NWA Hollywood Wrestling, from 1968 to 1982. The Hollywood Reporter: Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and Godfather of Grappling, Dies at 89, Deadline: Gene LeBell Dies: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Who Fought Bruce Lee & Chuck Norris Onscreen Was 89, MMA Fighting: Toughest man I know: Pros react to pioneer Judo Gene LeBells death, The Huffington Post: Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman, Martial Artist And Bruce Lees Teacher Dies At 89. In a recent conversation with Bob Calhoun, the coauthor of LeBells autobiography The Godfather of Grappling, the judoka, then 87 years old, said he was surprised that Lee didnt try to counter me, so I think he was more surprised than anything else. In the years that followed, Lee worked with LeBell to incorporate grappling into his films, defeating Sammo Hung with an arm bar in Enter the Dragon and Chuck Norriswho would become another long-time collaborator of LeBellsvia chokehold in Way of the Dragon. [2] He was born in Los Angeles. 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. 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. 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, who spent much of his later years overseeing the National Wrestling Alliance in Los Angeles, was even charged with murder when private investigator Robert Duke Hall was killed in 1976. Tough Guys Wear Pink in Any Color, Judo Master and Film Stuntman Gene Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic both had 40-point games after the Sixers loss against the Mavs. Wrestlers & MMA stars pay tribute to Gene LeBell. A professional stuntman and actor, LeBell appeared in over 1,000 films and TV shows, and authored 12 books. Hey Gene which way to the Beach? [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. Love ya, Buddy Joe Hooker, My dear friend Gene. 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. Here's What Really Happened When Bruce Lee Fought A - TheThings "Judo" Gene LeBell | The Godfather of Grappling Youve not only accomplished a great name in our industry but many,many brothers and sister stunt people that admire and love you very much. 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. Something went wrong. Judo Gene LeBell was famous for his catch wrestling technique that later became an influence in both pro wrestling and mixed martial arts. The back and forth match between the boxer and the grappler/judoka was an early precursor to the mixed martial arts battles that millions of fans enjoy today. Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood to celebrate his storied life and remember how he touched each of them in a way only LeBell could. Gene LeBell - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia You don't earn the nickname 'Judo' without knowing a thing or two about combat; just ask Steven Seagal. Allen Lopa, Congrats to a legend!! Those are just some of the names that Gene LeBell has trained with, not to mention the countless other celebrities and luminaries hes worked alongside during his decades-long careers as a pioneering mixed martial artist, a professional wrestler, and a stuntman. Gene LeBell (also called "Judo Gene" and "the Godfather of Grappling") went on to perform stunts in hundreds of movies, train martial artists like Chuck . He is currently the head grappling coach at Jaco Hybrid Training Center.He is the former head grappling coach at both . (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. Craig Frosty Silva, Gene LeBell What can anybody tell you about Gene LeBell? Neil Melanson He was 89. LeBells wrestling fortunes variedhis brother Mike told Sports Illustrated in 1995 that he had fired Gene on several occasions, noting that sometimes even I thought he was crazybut his career continued its upward trajectory as he moved into the Hollywood stunt work that would see him participating in thousands of projects over the years. 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. You are an inspiration!! 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 . As a lifelong student of what we have come to call combat sports, still living and teaching at age 87, LeBell has become one of the world's experts. Gene LeBell, Hollywood Stuntman and Martial Artist, Dies at 89 - Variety Gene LeBell was born on October 9, 1932. Well deserved !!! she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, who was said to be terrorizing the stuntman for a particular scene, background in the Japanese martial art of aikido. UFC news: 'Judo' Gene LeBell dead at 89; MMA community mourns [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. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), The remarkable Judo Gene LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts well into his 80s. Ian Avabe, You Rock a Master of all well deserved Si PJ Hooper Kelly, Congratulations Gene. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! Chuck & Charlotte Waters, Special man and amazing human being, so deserving of this recognition. The Toughest Man Alive. Mahalo Christopher Chabriel, Congratulations MEAN GENE!!! It is his 90th birthday and a celebration and memorial for him, Chivichyan said. For 89 years, few did that work better than Judo Gene LeBell. The Life & Times of Gene LeBell - Black Belt Magazine I love ya man. Gene LeBell would become involved in a challenge match proposed by boxer and writer Jim Beck to all practitioners of Japanese martial arts. UFC 285 Preview: Can Jon Jones Turn Back the Clock? Stunts Unlimited Member Gene LeBell was presented with the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, May 13th, 2017 for his outstanding contribution to the world of action feature films. LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts in his 70s. Seagal, a towering man who had a background in the Japanese martial art of aikido, has long battled with stunt choreographers and fight trainers on setin Shooters, Jonathan Snowden quotes Pride announcer Stephen Quadross story of engaging in an uncomfortable series of wristlock exchanges with Seagal on the set of the 2001 film Exit Woundsbut by most accounts (and there are many), his encounter with LeBell went poorly. May we all continue to learn from you and strive to reach the heights youve reached. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018). Steve Boyum, Absolutely couldnt go to a better candidate. [31], On August 9, 2022, LeBell died in his sleep.[32][33]. The damage inflicted definitely favored Inoki, who battered Alis legs sufficiently that the Greatest struggled with his mobility in a fight against Ken Norton later that year, but LeBellwho had Inoki slightly ahead on his own scorecard, per the account in journalist Josh Grosss book Ali vs. Inoki: The Forgotten Fight That Inspired Mixed Martial Arts and Launched Sports Entertainmentchose to deduct points for an illegal groin strike, thus affording Ali a split-decision draw that showcased how dull MMA could get without the appropriate rules in place. There he found quick success. The Cauliflower Alley Club presented the award. Gene LeBell, 89, Judo Champion, Wrestler and Star Stuntman, Dies You have given so much to our community and film business! For a time, he took on a role as "policeman" for the organization, helping to maintain order. 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. For most of Eatons time in the business, she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, possibly even the world. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Former UFC Champion and WWE star Ronda Rousey talks about her friend and mentor Judo Gene LeBell during a celebration of his life on what would have been his 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. Legend Gene LeBell's Life Is Set To Be Made Into A Book And Film "My name is Gene LeBell. [7][8] In return, Savage offered to wear a judogi. Bruce Lee. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), AnnMaria De Mars (L), with her daughter former UFC Champion and WWE star Ronda Rousey and Rouseys daughter Po, pose 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. Gene LeBell reflects on 50th anniversary of first major American mixed 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. In any case, LeBell was back to work in the movies almost immediately, adding to the movie residuals and Screen Actors Guildbacked retirement that sustained him in his later years. developed adult skills by 13. He is a two time AAU National Judo Champion and he was a professional wrestling world heavyweight champion . Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree in jujitsu and taihojutsu in 2000 by the United States Ju-Jitsu (USJJF) Ju Jitsu Federation. Is Golden State a sleeping giant? He is highly respected by many martial artists all over the world, and has . Judo Gene LeBell has died at age 89 - Cageside Seats 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. At 12 LeBell took up judo. 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. [7] Despite his pedigree, he did not get over immediately with audiences but gradually became known for his martial arts background. They knew each other and worked together on the Green Hornet. "[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. 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. Neil Melanson is an American submission grappling coach. The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference. Could Gene LeBell, the 'real life Cliff Booth', beat up Bruce Lee? You deserve every bit of it! Congratulations, Connie P Conrad Palmisano, Congratulations Uncle Gene for receiving the lifetime award. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. . Congratulations my brother!!! (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG). (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. After, my arms were trembling with strain, you told me to stop and smiled at me, and said kid, dont quit your day job. I love you Gene and I am very proud of your accomplishments in our business. After getting his black belt, he went to Japan to train in judo at the Kodokan. 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. It was agreed that the match would last five 3 three minute rounds. "Judo" Gene LeBell Tribute - YouTube J.N. One thing I learned was never never mess with Gene LeBell. Scott Wilder, Thank you Sensei for paving the way for martial artists in this biz! Gene LeBell began his martial arts training at the age of 13 and went on to become the Godfather of Grappling and is considered by many to be the father of MMA. Gene LeBell - IMDb Are the Lakers dead? if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it. Enjoyed reading about Gene Lebell? In 2004, Gene Lebell was promoted to 10th degree black belt in those arts. 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. So, congratulation Gene LeBell from the Winburn families for receiving the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulations & we all love you. Awesome Steve Picerni. Mickey Gilbert, Ill never forget working with Gene in Minneapolis for David Ellis. LeBell earned the upset win via an osaekomi. Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. 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. He began training catch wrestling at age 7 with Ed "The Strangler" Lewis. RIP Gene LeBell - Part II - Black Belt Magazine 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. To succeed in the NFL, hell need to be an outlier among outliers. Sandra Brumfield Avo, Gene is as it has been said amongst the fight world..is the Toughest Man. It couldnt go to a better man. Despite this, a man tried to stab LeBell on the way out and the latter had to be protected by the judokas and professional wrestlers who accompanied him. I tried to get your son some work but hes always at the beach. [17] Ultimately, nothing came from it. The boxer's side demanded a stipulation in which the smaller and older Savage (Savage was 39 while LeBell was 31 at the date of the fight) could use any type of punch, while the judoka could not kick, in the apparent belief LeBell was a karateka. Previously, he was married to Eleanor Martindale between 1975 and 1976, Eileen Murillo (1960), Olga Allen between 1957 until 1959, and Midge LeBell before that. Gene LeBell Dead: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Was 89 - Deadline

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