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. (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. LeBell would win the match osaekomi where the practitioner pins the opponent for a specified amount of time earning the victory. Chuck Norris. Ian Avabe, You Rock a Master of all well deserved Si PJ Hooper Kelly, Congratulations Gene. [10], The loss by Savage, the hometown favorite, caused the crowd to react violently. 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. David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! Is MJF the Second Coming of CM Punk? Ronnie and Mary Rondell, Congratulations Uncle Gene! He has trained several notable students including Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey. LeBell even awarded Piper a legitimate Black Belt in Judo . And in February, 2005 Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree black belt in judo by USJJF. LeBell has made himself the nicknames "Judo" Gene LeBell, "The Godfather of Grappling" and also "The Toughest Man Alive" for his . [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. 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. Aloha, Brian Keaulana, Congratulations Gene! [7], LeBell was requested to confirm the story publicly in an interview with Ariel Helwani in 2012, but he avoided answering the question, albeit implying that the incident was true. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), Gene started training in judo at a young age, and at the age of 20 in 1954, he won National AAU Heavyweight Judo Championship and the USA Overall Judo Championship title. You have given so much to our community and film business! . 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. 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. 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 . judo. He was a man that no endeavor was too tall for him to accomplish, Josh Barnett said of LeBell. Gene LeBell was chosen for the match out of over 200 candidates. 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. For 89 years, few did that work better than Judo Gene LeBell. Not long after, he began training judo. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. 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. #246C,Beverly, MA 01915,United States. Muhammad Ali. 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 taught fighters like Rowdy Roddy Piper, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey how to grapple and regularly trained Bruce Lee. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. LeBell, whom many credit for bringing judo into mixed martial arts, served as a mentor to former UFC champion Ronda Rousey throughout her MMA run, but his roots run much deeper. The only thing I have against MMA is they dont have a retirement plan. He also had 8 grandchildren. He was highly respected by many martial artists all over the world, and has been considered a ground breaker in many aspects of the art of grappling. Whats legacy, anyway? He is the greatest!! He has fought, trained and performed with a dizzying array of some of the most prolific athletes and actors in the world. Roberts, Nobody in the world more respected!! Well deserved my friend, and sensei! In December 1939, his parents went to Chinatown, San Francisco in California for an international opera tour. The Ploys and Tactics Behind Oscar Campaigning, A Secret Laundromat Meetup, New Jersey Episode 4, and Potomac Reunion Part 2. The Alabama passer is one of the smallest QB prospects to be pegged as a first-round pick. Gene LeBell was born on October 9, 1932. Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. Since Hayastan MMA Academy first opened its door, it has been one of the top gyms in the world. Well deserved !!! thank you so much for all the encouragement over all these decades . Gary Goltz. 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. Freddy Bouceigues, No one deserves this more then you uncle Gene. The two became close friends, but the actors untimely death stymied LeBells chance for future speaking parts. To this day you are still teaching and sharing your wealth of knowledge with the next generation! Still working on the Pro Wrestling Finishing Holds book techniques to this day! Christian Fletcher, Congratulations Gene! Other recordings discovered had ties to the presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. Craig Frosty Silva, Gene LeBell What can anybody tell you about Gene LeBell? Seventeen years before the UFC debuted, though, LeBell refereed arguably the most notable mixed martial arts clash of the era, serving as the third man in the ring for the Muhammad AliAntonio Inoki superfight in Tokyo. 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. 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 . American judoka and martial arts instructor (19322022), "The Hangman (wrestler)" redirects here. 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. Humbled to be 1 of many. Ronda Rousey, Bryan Danielson, and many more idolized the . 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 . He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. Gene LeBell, also known as 'Judo Gene LeBell' is best known for, you guessed it, judo. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. [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. Mickey Gilbert, Ill never forget working with Gene in Minneapolis for David Ellis. He will always be my Stunt Senei. After his mother remarried, LeBell was raised near L.A.s old Olympic Auditorium. (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 was born on October 9, 1932. 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. LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts in his 70s. It wasnt exactly an elite-level boxer facing down a grappler, but it did offer a variation on the Ultimate Fighting Championship model that LeBells long-time acquaintances, the Gracie family, would partner with Bob Meyrowitz to launch in 1993right down to the initial audience confusion and cautious feeling-out process between the athletes. 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. Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. Beck engaged in a great deal of pre-fight trash talk, but it was clear that he had very little knowledge of Japanese martial arts even going as far as confusing traditional judo for karate. 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. 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 2004, Gene Lebell was promoted to 10th degree black belt in those arts. When he entered the 1954 AAU National Judo championship as a lightly regarded 160-pound heavyweight, he pinned 1952 Pan American Games gold medalist Johnny Osako in his first match, then went on to win both his weight class as well as the overall tournament. Thank you, Mr. LeBell! If you saw Quentin Tarantino's . His first match would be against the highly ranked judoka John Osako. LeBell's conviction for being an accessory was later overturned by the California Courts of Appeal. Alan Oliney, Hey Gene, Thanks for being a four-star mentor to so many and thanks for being Gene Lebell. 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. developed adult skills by 13. 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. "[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. 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. Something went wrong. The award couldnt be given to a better or greater person, that trained many motion pictures stuntmen in and out of the motion picture Industry. (Gene LeBell Biography), Born in Los Angeles in 1932, LeBell was shipped off to a military school at age 6 by his full-time working mom after his father died in a surfing accident. This scene is loosely based on world class Judoka Gene LeBell . OSU! Chris Pellitteri, Mr. Gene LeBell ; Thank you for your kindness and wisdom over the years. Gene LeBell is currently married to Wendy LeBell whom he married in 1977. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. Judo Gene LeBell was famous for his catch wrestling technique that later became an influence in both pro wrestling and mixed martial arts. It must be said at this stage that . Will Bowman, Well deserved! His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. 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. Ronda Rousey. Way to go Uncle Gene!!! When he arrived, Gene LeBell learned that he would not be fighting Beck, but instead a much more well-known boxer in Milo Savage. Challenge coins, decorated with an image of LeBell, were sold for donations, which raised more than $2,000. 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. [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. They thought of each other has good friends but Gene Lebell said he taught Bruce Lee but Bruce said they shared techniques but not as a teacher/student relationsh. LeBell accompanied Ronda Rousey to the cage for some of her MMA matches in recent years, and served as a MMA judge through 2018. It always put a smile on my face when you would call the SAMP office. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. [2] "[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. (Gene LeBell Biography). Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. Steven Seagal was a highly trained aikido expert and because of this, he would proclaim to the world that he was immune to choking. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Lance Gilbert, Gene , you are surely deserving of this achievement even though your humility wont allow you to agree with us. Congratulations Uncle Gene! Hardcover - January 1, 2004. This 1982 homevideo production, introduced by Chuck Norris and narrated by John Saxon, featured LeBell as a car thief and mugger who (in the prologue) accosts Mitsuru Yamashita and Budojujitsu creator Al Thomasmuch to LeBell's regret. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North. Gary Davis, So awesome!!! 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. 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. He sparred with James Cagney while shooting "Blood on the Sun" in 1945, allowing the famous actor to dominate the 20-minute skirmish which . Along the way, his list of big-name collaborators, students, and opponents became as packed as his CV; in addition to Lee, . [29], LeBell was arrested, charged with, and tried for the July 1976 murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall. [8], After returning to the United States, LeBell competed as a heavyweight. David would look at me glassy eyed and say No you dont! Sammy Horowitz, Congratulations Gene, its about time you were acknowledged for your amazing contribution to the stunt world. 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. I love ya man. Here's an attempt to share some of those posts and tweets from the cross . Judo is wrestling with handles, he told Black Belt magazine in 1994. Some of his vast television credits includeThe Jack Benny Program (1962), The Man from U.N.C.L.E (1965) The Green Hornet (1965), Mission: Impossible (1966), I Spy (1965), The Wild Wild West (1965), Bonanza (1968), Kung Fu (1972), Beretta (1975), Starsky and Hutch (1975), Fantasy Island (1979), The Greatest American Hero (1981), Married with Children (1987), Baywatch (1989), The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992), Walker Texas Ranger (1993), That 70s Show (1998), The X-Files (2000), The Shield (2002), Reno 911 (2003), 24 (2010) and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Congratulations my brother!!! August 10, 2022 1:24pm. It was a fascinating collection of people mourning too, from the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts, acting, and beyond. Love ya Gene. Instead of being hit first, it was LeBell who would put Bruce Lee in a headlock and carry him around the set. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018). 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. Karl Gotch. For a time, he took on a role as "policeman" for the organization, helping to maintain order. With respect, Missy OMalley-Reynolds, Uncle Gene, Thanks for never burning our house down. More embellished versions include details about Seagal defecating himself. LeBell earned the upset win via an osaekomi. Neil Melanson So well deserved!! Mike Massa, Congratulations Gene!! Black Belt EXCLUSIVE. He worked in. As soon as he landed, LeBell used a foot sweep to sweep Seagal off the floor, with Seagal landing on his back. Its an honor to be your student and friend. 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. So to be a martial artist of his degree in the art of Judo is incredible; to be a pro wrestler of that level, incredible; but then to go into stunts and the motorcycle riding and the acting and everything else. What are you doing? LeBell remembers the helmer lamenting. 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. 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. I have grown up idolizing many of the SU members over the yearsGenes massive career and list of credits is insane. According to the Hollywood Reporter, famed stunt performer Gene LeBell died on August 9 at the age of 89. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. LeBell later mentored world-class athletes and silver screen legends. They shared their stories about the Toughest Man Alive and Godfather of Grapplings warmth and generosity. And Thank You for all those Decals and Patches you sent Charlotte and I each Christmas. LeBell was the third man inside the ring of one of the most famous matches in Japanese history and one that had worldwide attention. 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..
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