Mahalo Christopher Chabriel, Congratulations MEAN GENE!!! [30], LeBell and Ginsburgs were former friends and business partners of Hall. The boxer's camp even went as far to argue for the stipulation that Savage could use any type of punch, but the judoka could not kick or use takedowns under the waist. He was a man that no endeavor was too tall for him to accomplish, Josh Barnett said of LeBell. Bottles, chairs, and other debris were thrown into the ring. He repeated this dominant performance in 1955, winning all but one of his 18 matches solely with standing throws. Judo Gene LeBell was famous for his catch wrestling technique that later became an influence in both pro wrestling and mixed martial arts. He had spent time in Japan training at the Kodokan. [7][10] Savage even attempted to sweep the judoka in one instance. A video shown at the memorial featured many of his accomplishments from the stunt and martial arts world, evoking smiles, laughter and tears that had many in the crowd wiping their eyes. LeBell was 89 years old. 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. Hey Gene which way to the Beach? 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. I feel honored to say Ive never been choked out by the legend Gene LaBellI consider you a true friend. Chris Pellitteri, Mr. Gene LeBell ; Thank you for your kindness and wisdom over the years. He was known by many as the "Godfather of Grappling," and influenced fighters around the world. His talent in his field was known worldwide and those that got to know him knew he had a heart that matched that talent, the groups statement added. He worked in. LeBell later mentored world-class athletes and silver screen legends. An agreement was reached for the match to last five rounds, each lasting three minutes. 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. LeBells roots in combat sports ran deep. 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. Don't miss a beat. 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. Congratulations my brother!!! Congratulations Gene. His career bore that out. He was 89. We are all so proud of you, youre a legend. "The great Gene Lebell, toughest man I know, has passed away and left us at the age of 89," Rutten wrote. [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. [7] According to fellow BJJ artist Royce Gracie, LeBell was invited to compete in Ultimate Fighting Championship in early 1995, after Gracie stopped participating in its tournaments. Ill toast you from Texas! You always got the cool moves to Choke em Out .. stay healthy my friend .. Love, Troy Gilbert, Unreal. 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. Gene LeBell would ultimately choke his opponent unconscious after a tentative start to the match. Cheers! We ask all these burning questions, and more! The Toughest Man Alive: Gene LeBell: 9780953176670: Amazon.com: Books He popularized grappling in pro-fighting circles and had a famous run-in with Steven Seagal. I thought I was the only one. Seems like yesterday, lifes crazy like that, huh? It is with a heavy heart that we recognize our past member and friend, Mr. Gene LeBell, has passed on. The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. Video: Gene LeBell in boxing vs. judo fight in 1963 We couldnt prouder. judo. [31], On August 9, 2022, LeBell died in his sleep.[32][33]. In addition to spending extensive time in the world of . Tim Gilbert, This tribute is well deserved. Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. 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. [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. To quote C.S. Heffay Cadiente, Big congrats Uncle Gene! Gene LeBell chokes out student and he has 'accident' Gene LeBell - Biography - IMDb Gene LeBell was born on October 09, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States, is Stunts, Actor, Miscellaneous Crew. Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree in jujitsu and taihojutsu in 2000 by the United States Ju-Jitsu (USJJF) Ju Jitsu Federation. There is no one alive on this planet that deserves this Life Time Achievement Award more than you. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, especially us. Featuring "Judo" Gene LeBell's champion student "The Armenian Assassin" Gokor Chivichyan and friends." . He also had 8 grandchildren. The program featured several other martial artists including Graciela Casilas, Karen Sheperd, Victor Ledbetter, Steve Sanders, brothers Benny and Reuben Urquidez, and Dave Vaden. 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 . Wrestling, MMA, movie worlds pay tribute to Judo Gene LeBell Love ya, Buddy Joe Hooker, My dear friend Gene. They shared their stories about the Toughest Man Alive and Godfather of Grapplings warmth and generosity. [2] In June of 1976, LeBell served as the referee during the infamous boxing versus wrestling match between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Japan. He is, and always has been, a perfect example of what a professional stuntman should be and continues to teach and hand down his vast knowledge to all young and old who want to learn. 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. In 1994, LeBell counted kickboxing champion Benny Urquidez and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners the Machado brothers among his training partners. ", "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. Mike Smith, Congratulations on this most deserving award for a really great guy. Gregg Smrz, So well deserved! Thank you Gene for your friendship over the decades. Sugar Ray Robinson. Ya big goofball!!! 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 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. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman Judo Gene LeBell would have turned 90. According to the Hollywood Reporter, famed stunt performer Gene LeBell died on August 9 at the age of 89. Stuntman Gene LeBell might not have been around since Hollywood's first fist fight, but his skill has transformed the genre. "[24], Seagal bodyguard and stuntman Steven Lambert, stated he was present and said that a confrontation did happen. Brad Curran June 8, 2018 Interviews. Congrats to the amazing living legend John Stoneham, Jr. Congratulations Gene, you know I love you, and Im so very very proud of you. 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. Each speaker spoke fondly of the larger-than-life LeBell, recounting stories and memories of how he inspired them and the love they felt for him. He would also occasionally wrestle in a disguise as The Hangman. The late 'Judo' Gene LeBell's 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 Andy Gill, Congratulations Gene !!! You too? After getting his black belt, he went to Japan to train in judo at the Kodokan. He is currently 89 years old. Gene LeBell - Wikipedia 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. It was a fascinating collection of people mourning too, from the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts, acting, and beyond. Love ya !!! Interview with Gene LeBell - Kung-fu Kingdom (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Former UFC Champion and WWE star Ronda Rousey talks 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. "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. "Judo" Gene LeBell Tribute - YouTube UFC news: 'Judo' Gene LeBell dead at 89; MMA community mourns In a fifty year career of high falls and fist fights, Gene LeBell has crashed cars, jumped motorcycles, wrestled bears, incited riots and fought some of the deadliest men in the world. 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. Well deserved my friend, and sensei! Ronda Rousey, Bryan Danielson, and many more idolized the . They all grew up to be great young men, James is a newspaper writer for various companies, David is a Federal Police Officer and Matthew is an accountant and they all, always talk about the days they train under Gene. Whats different about the Sixers this year? Judo Gene!!! Thank you, Mr. LeBell! Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. 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. You were a better reference than SAG! 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. 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? This is very much deserved. Scott Wilder, Thank you Sensei for paving the way for martial artists in this biz! 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. 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. LeBell would win the match osaekomi where the practitioner pins the opponent for a specified amount of time earning the victory. Besides being a boxer, Milo Savage also had a background in wrestling. Alan Oliney, Hey Gene, Thanks for being a four-star mentor to so many and thanks for being Gene Lebell. Ian Avabe, You Rock a Master of all well deserved Si PJ Hooper Kelly, Congratulations Gene. The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. Gene LeBell was born on October 9, 1932. Will Bowman, Well deserved! "[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. Roberts, Nobody in the world more respected!! Lou Thesz. After earning these titles, LeBell made the transition to professional wrestling because of the promise of better earnings in the sport. His mother, Aileen Eaton, promoted fights at the Olympic Auditorium and was the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of . Could Gene LeBell, the 'real life Cliff Booth', beat up Bruce Lee? A brief google of you name brings up pages and pages of awesome stories about what youve really accomplished in so many fields. If you want to do a whizzer throw in wrestling, its the same as an uchimata [inner thigh throw] in judo. Gene LeBell Passes Away At Age 89 - Ringside News "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. What Really Happened When Bruce Lee Met Gene LeBell Ivan "Judo" Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. FLASH SALE - Buy 1 video get 40% OFF - COUPON40, Buy 2 videos get 43% OFF - COUPON43, Buy 3 or more videos get 45% OFF - COUPON45. [8] Gene also wrestled under a black mask as The Hangman, teaming up with Roy Staggs. Afterwards, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling. 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. 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. "[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. LeBell passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, just two months shy of being a nonagenarian. Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI . developed adult skills by 13. 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! He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. AEW Revolution Preview, and Whats Going on With Brock, Bray, Bobby, and Omos? He went on to win the both the Heavyweight and overall champion title 1955 as well. May we all continue to learn from you and strive to reach the heights youve reached. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. Derek spoke with Matthew Biel of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital about rising teenage unhappiness and what we can do to fix it, All You Touch and All You See: Dark Side of the Moon at 50. The godfather of modern grappling and a legitimate tough guy in his own right, LeBell. So well deserved!! Lee was especially interested in exploring grappling with help from him and exchanged ideas[19] on various fighting techniques. [2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books. "Judo" Gene LeBelle Passes Away At Age 89 | Rajah.com 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, I appreciate the things youve accomplished in life, and acknowledge your generosity to those you have helped to achieve theirs. He taught me how to fight, taught me how to ride. Gene's funeral will be private for immediate family only. In the the Quentin Tarantino film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", Bruce Lee was made to look as an arrogant martial arts actor. LeBell was never a main-event star in wrestling and by even the most generous assessment wasnt exactly a crowd-pleaser in the ring. The Legendary Gene LeBell Passes Away at 89 - Wrestling Headlines Gene LeBell would become involved in a challenge match proposed by boxer and writer Jim Beck to all practitioners of Japanese martial arts. 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. The Toughest Man Alive. Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. Remembering Gene LeBell - The Ringer [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. In December 1939, his parents went to Chinatown, San Francisco in California for an international opera tour. It hurt. 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. His very first match was against John Osako, one of the highest ranked judokas at the national level. And in February, 2005 Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree black belt in judo by USJJF. 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. Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. 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. Gene has trained with numerous other world champion martial artists includingChuck Norris,Bill Wallace, andBenny Urquidez. 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 . It was Beck's contention that a boxer would be able to defeat any martial artist in a fight and he put up $1000 to anyone who defeat the boxer in this challenge match.
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