Gene LeBell was a man who lived a full and adventurous life. Oops. [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. 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. In 2004, Gene Lebell was promoted to 10th degree black belt in those arts. Gene LeBell was born on October 09, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States, is Stunts, Actor, Miscellaneous Crew. Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 A martial artist and judo champion, he taught Bruce Lee, fought in an early mixed martial arts fight and served as an. He began training catch wrestling at age 7 with Ed "The Strangler" Lewis. Gene LeBell Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award Tim Gilbert, This tribute is well deserved. His mother, Aileen Eaton, promoted fights at the Olympic Auditorium and was the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of . 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. A celebration of his life will be held on his 90thBirthday October 9th, 2022 at the Hayastan Academy led by his student, Black Belt Hall of Fame Member - Gokor Chivichyan. 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. 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. He went on to win the both the Heavyweight and overall champion title 1955 as well. Instead of being hit first, it was LeBell who would put Bruce Lee in a headlock and carry him around the set. The seeds that Gene LeBell helped plant have grown into the modern landscape of mixed martial arts that we know today. He is currently the head grappling coach at Jaco Hybrid Training Center.He is the former head grappling coach at both . Gene LeBell - Wikipedia A professional stuntman and actor, LeBell appeared in over 1,000 films and TV shows, and authored 12 books. Andy Gill, Congratulations Gene !!! As soon as he landed, LeBell used a foot sweep to sweep Seagal off the floor, with Seagal landing on his back. LeBell's longtime friend Bas Rutten first revealed the news on Facebook. And Thank You for all those Decals and Patches you sent Charlotte and I each Christmas. Well deserved. Love and Respect John C Meier, Gene, I first met you at the Olympic Auditorium many years ago, i cant believe how fast time has past, As a Great stuntman, Actor, Olympian and Teacher being Prolific to this Business you have planted many many seeds in Future Stunt men and stunt women, because of your thoughtful and kind hart this business will be Blessed with talent worthy of calling you Teacher and Friend, Your Long Lost, Brother From Another Mother, and Friend, Love You, Henry Kingi, Uncle GeneI can remember taking your class when I was a young stunt grunt. Bottles, chairs, and other debris were thrown into the ring. He deserves this award. Bryan Danielson's LeBell Lock was named after the legendary grappler. Congrats my friend and God Bless. I am so glad I was there Live to see it ! He was known as one the best stuntmen in his early days and his influence in the worlds of mixed martial arts and wrestling still. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), The remarkable Judo Gene LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts well into his 80s. LeBells Rolodex is not just one hall of fame roster, but multiple, as hes played integral roles in the worlds of boxing, judo, wrestling, and Hollywood stunt-work. Home | hayastanmma Ill never forget that moment, congratulations brother. You too? Love ya, Buddy Joe Hooker, My dear friend Gene. Stoked I get to make it this year. developed adult skills by 13. Wear this Award well my friend. While working at the stunt coordinator for Seagal's film Out for Justice, the two of them met to test Seagal's statement. Mal, Jo, and Ben get together to talk about where the Mandalorian people are, what adventure awaits Din and Grogu, and much more. Interview with Gene LeBell - Kung-fu Kingdom It was a fascinating collection of people mourning too, from the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts, acting, and beyond. He started training in catch wrestling and boxing from his early childhood, influenced by his mother, "Red Head" Aileen Eaton, a promoter of both sports who owned the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Gene LeBell would ultimately choke his opponent unconscious after a tentative start to the match. You truly are a one-off, a living legend. Matt and Craig talk Oscar tactics and more, then later end the show with a prediction about Chris Rocks live comedy special on Netflix, Rachel and Callie also talk all the Bravo news of the week, By submitting your email, you agree to our. if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it. 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. This set the Japanese crowd livid, as it was considered very insulting, but they somewhat calmed down after LeBell went on to win his division. At the insistence of friend and martial artist, Ed Parker, Gene LeBell accepted the challenge match and travelled to Utah to fight Beck. [7][10] Savage even attempted to sweep the judoka in one instance. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. Interview with Gene LeBell. Beck engaged in abundant trash-talk, but revealed a very limited knowledge of martial arts, seemingly mistaking judo for karate. To quote C.S. He is there to help you any time any where. You always tried to get me to go dirt biking with you but I never gave in. Even more appreciated by those of us choked out by you !!! 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. He believed in me which made me believe in myself. Congratulations my brother!!! 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. For most of Eatons time in the business, she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, possibly even the world. For similar uses, see, MMA History Gene Lebell VS Milo Savage, 1963, The Godfather of Grappling (authorised biography of LeBell) by "Judo" Gene LeBell, Bob Calhoun, George Foon, and Noelle Kim. Gary Goltz. 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. (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. [9], Encouraged by Ed Parker,[8] LeBell accepted the challenge and travelled to Salt Lake City to meet Beck. As a stuntman, LeBell reportedly endured a punch from John Wayne for the 1952 film Big Jim McLain and a kick in the face from Elvis Presley for Blue Hawaii in 1961. Your positivity and generosity knows no limit. All the best! Theres way too much to say to even begin to scratch the surface of the career and life Gene lived, wrote the Stuntmans Association of Motion Pictures in a statement to Variety. Whats different about the Sixers this year? Gene was an actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions for over fifty years with more than 150 acting credits and 250 stunt credits. August 18 | 2022. blackbeltmag.com. Its great having such a role model to look up to. Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell's death via Facebook, writing, "You will be greatly missed Gene, On August 7, 2004, the World Martial Arts Masters Association promoted him to 10th degree. Wrestling, MMA, movie worlds pay tribute to Judo Gene LeBell 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. The late 'Judo' Gene LeBell's 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 This is very much deserved. You have definitely earned it for all your contributions to the industry. Featuring "Judo" Gene LeBell's champion student "The Armenian Assassin" Gokor Chivichyan and friends." . judo. Could James Harden Potentially Return to Houston After the Season? [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. Gary Davis, So awesome!!! Erik Stabenau, Congratulations Gene. Judo Gene LeBell has died at age 89 - Cageside Seats So they said I could make good money in professional wrestling, which I did. Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. 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? Sammy Horowitz, Congratulations Gene, its about time you were acknowledged for your amazing contribution to the stunt world. So happy for you. 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. Mike Massa, Congratulations Gene!! 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. It was agreed that the match would last five 3 three minute rounds. Osu J.J. Perry, Gene, Ill never forget the time on set, when you let me try and choke you out. Chuck Norris. 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. Answer (1 of 12): Well It seems to be a bit of a controversy about this. [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. "[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. [12] Finally, he performed a left harai goshi in the fourth round and followed by locking a rear naked choke. To his surprise, he learned his opponent would not be Beck but a higher regarded boxer, Milo Savage, who also had a background in amateur wrestling. ", "Gene LeBell and Ronda Rousey's golden lineage", "Killer's Impending Parole Scuttled by Extortion Plot", "Los Angeles Stirred by Detective's Mysterious Death", "Judo legend Gene LeBell passes away aged 89 years old", "Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89", "NWA Hall of Fame Class for 2011 announced", "North American Heavyweight Title (W. Texas)", Seagal vs LeBell resolved Fact, Fiction & Eye-Witness Testimony on the Urban Legend, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gene_LeBell&oldid=1141444745, NWA "Beat the Champ" Television Champions, Articles lacking reliable references from May 2021, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from May 2021, All articles needing additional references, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Pages using embedded infobox templates with the title parameter, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 02:59. He has fought, trained and performed with a dizzying array of some of the most prolific athletes and actors in the world. And in February, 2005 Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree black belt in judo by USJJF. Christian Fletcher, Congratulations Gene! Ed Lewis. [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". [28], LeBell was friends with world champion judoka AnnMaria De Mars, and had known her daughter, Olympic judoka, mixed martial artist and professional wrestler Ronda Rousey since her birth. Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman, Martial Artist And Bruce Lee's Teacher Part of HuffPost Entertainment. Seagal himself denies the entire situation, calling LeBell a sick, pathological scumbag liar, though even Seagals former bodyguard Steven Lambert tells a version of the story that has Seagal attempting to resist LeBells application of the hold before winding up on the ground, though remaining conscious throughout. The toughest man alive by Gene LeBell . 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. Ronda Rousey, Bryan Danielson, and many more idolized the . 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. Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI agent daughter Monica LeBell Pandis. Gene LeBell, 89, Judo Champion, Wrestler and Star Stuntman, Dies ( Aubrey Sitterson, rondarousey.com, 2018). Neil Melanson is an American submission grappling coach. 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. Sandra Brumfield Avo, Gene is as it has been said amongst the fight world..is the Toughest Man. Here's What Really Happened When Bruce Lee Fought A - TheThings Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. Its about time. LeBell authored at least twelve books, including: On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. After, my arms were trembling with strain, you told me to stop and smiled at me, and said kid, dont quit your day job. 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. He was 89. God Bless you Gene and your lovely wife and thanks you for all the things you taught me. Gene LeBell's most famous match was his match with boxer/wrestler Milo Savage. Who's The Real "Father Of MMA"? 10 Fighters More Deserving Of The 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. 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. The Life & Legend of "Judo" Gene LeBell - POST Wrestling [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. David would look at me glassy eyed and say No you dont! LeBell lived long enough to learn submission wrestling from the likes of Ed Strangler Lewis, study judo in postwar Japan, win the first notable mixed martial arts match in 1963 and then referee the much-hyped but disappointing 1976 proto-MMA showdown between boxer Muhammad Ali and wrestler Antonio Inoki, trade fighting tips and blows with a young Bruce Lee on the set of The Green Hornet, allegedly choke out martial-arts action star Steven Seagal on the set of Out for Justice in 1991, and even decline an invitation to the early Ultimate Fighting Championship events when he and 82-year-old jujitsu pioneer Hlio Gracie couldnt settle on a fighting weight. 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 . The Cauliflower Alley Club presented the award. What Really Happened When Bruce Lee Met Gene LeBell To this day you are still teaching and sharing your wealth of knowledge with the next generation! Judo Gene!!! Ill be there to shake your hand tomorrow. 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.. 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. He was seen in Rousey's corner during matches and celebrated her victories with her. He was 89. The combatants were initially cautious, with LeBell being the first in pressing the action by attempting to throw Savage down. He was known by many as the "Godfather of Grappling," and influenced fighters around the world. Proud to know you, much love Brent Fletcher, Very proud to have been your student for so many years There is no one prettier than you Sensai You are truly a legend and I can not think of anyone more deserving for this award!!! Well deserved my friend, and sensei! It couldnt go to a better man. McCarthy, veteran actress Karen Black and legendary wrestling and martial arts teacher famous for Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. [10], The loss by Savage, the hometown favorite, caused the crowd to react violently. Best to You Gene !! 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. He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. Whats legacy, anyway? 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. I wont say rest easy because we just dont see that happening with Gene. I have ridden on the back of his bike for one of his marathon wheelies.Pine Mtn Club so much fun. He taught fighters like Rowdy Roddy Piper, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey how to grapple and regularly trained Bruce Lee. An agreement was reached for the match to last five rounds, each lasting three minutes. His career bore that out. Congratulations Gene Eric Norris, Gene LeBell is my hero and always has been. The Alabama passer is one of the smallest QB prospects to be pegged as a first-round pick. It was the long-running Lassie series that first tested LeBells mettle. [7][9] The unusual stipulations convinced LeBell the Savage camp, far from being ignorant about martial arts, had trained Savage in judo in order to defend against LeBell's throws. With love and affection, Sandy Gimpel, Congrats on your big nite!! The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. Awesome Steve Picerni. LeBell has made himself the nicknames "Judo" Gene LeBell, "The Godfather of Grappling" and also "The Toughest Man Alive" for his . 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. For 89 years, few did that work better than Judo Gene LeBell. 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. 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.. Could Gene LeBell, the 'real life Cliff Booth', beat up Bruce Lee? Ya big goofball!!! LeBell demonstrated the choke hold by putting it on Seagal. Logan Holladay, Congratulations to Uncle Gene for a lifetime of stunts and terrorizing the stunt people; either riding dirt bikes or putting them to sleep. Ronnie and Mary Rondell, Congratulations Uncle Gene! 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. Then consider checking: 100 Cummings Ctr. Congratulations, Connie P Conrad Palmisano, Congratulations Uncle Gene for receiving the lifetime award. From TV shows like Mission: Impossible, Batman, and Reno 911! to movies including, The Towering Inferno, RoboCop, Total Recall and Independence Day, LeBell was a go-to stunt coordinator for decades.
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