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. [27] He also did interviews for magazines, newspapers, and radio. [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. 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. In a story worthy of the detective novels of Raymond Chandler, LeBell, who drove California pornography magnate Jack Ginsburgs to the murder scene, was acquitted on a murder charge but convicted and sentenced to probation as an accessory for his role in transporting Ginsburgs to the murdera conviction later overturned by the California Court of Appeals in a heavily fact-dependent decision based on careful interpretation of state rules of evidence rather than any new proof of LeBells innocence. 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!!! It has been an honor to work with you ,and see how much you have done, over the years. LeBell was also hired for stunt work with Lee on The Green Hornet.. He has trained with or taught grappling skills to many well-known wrestlers and martial artists, such as Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Bob Wall, Chuck Norris, Ed Parker, Gokor Chivichyan, Karo Parisyan, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Mando Guerrero, Manny Gamburyan. Freddy Bouceigues, No one deserves this more then you uncle Gene. (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. LeBell was never a main-event star in wrestling and by even the most generous assessment wasnt exactly a crowd-pleaser in the ring. While men like Wagner and later Freddie Blassie and Dick the Destroyer Beyer would headline Eatons wrestling cards, the young LeBellbereft of a father figurestarted at the very bottom, learning the ropes in the hardest away imaginable, twisted into pretzels by grapplers like the aging Evan Strangler Lewis, from whom LeBell asked to learn the Stranglers signature headlock when LeBell was the tender age of 7. 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. Plus, Nadine Smith on the Agendas Behind Wrestling Documentaries. LeBell came off the floor by a few feet. The Creed Franchise Has Stepped Out of Rockys Shadow at Last, With Sylvester Stallone removed from the equation, Creed III is the sternest test yet of Adonis Creeds appealand a new challenge for first-time director Michael B. Jordan, The Clock Is Already Ticking for Kyrie Irving and the Mavs, Dallas now has a costar alongside Luka Doncic but has precious little time to make it all work. Christian Fletcher, Congratulations Gene! More embellished versions include details about Seagal defecating himself. Jimmy Roberts, Gene youve always told me Im the best but your THE GREATEST Love ya, Manny Perry, I owe everything to Gene. We couldnt prouder. He would also occasionally wrestle in a disguise as The Hangman. [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. (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. Grand Master Gi Grappling by Gokor Chivichyan. 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 is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. Gene LeBell is currently married to Wendy LeBell whom he married in 1977. Congratulations brother Gene!!! [2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books. (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. 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(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. Along the way, his list of big-name collaborators, students, and opponents became as packed as his CV; in addition to Lee, . 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. According to Lambert, Seagal explained to LeBell that he did not believe his choke hold was effective, and that he could escape from it. 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. He had spent time in Japan training at the Kodokan. G-E-N-E Capital-L-E-Capital-B-E-L-L. . [31], On August 9, 2022, LeBell died in his sleep.[32][33]. How Do We Solve This Crisis? They knew each other and worked together on the Green Hornet. The toughest man alive by Gene LeBell . 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 latter then accepted, but only if LeBell could drop 100 pounds to reach his weight, otherwise he would have to face Royce's brothers, similarly 20 years younger than LeBell though still lighter than him. Neil Melanson Big hug and a kiss! Will Bowman, Well deserved! AEW Revolution Preview, and Whats Going on With Brock, Bray, Bobby, and Omos? Since Hayastan MMA Academy first opened its door, it has been one of the top gyms in the world. Love you brother congratulations! With respect, Missy OMalley-Reynolds, Uncle Gene, Thanks for never burning our house down. ( Aubrey Sitterson, rondarousey.com, 2018). LeBell even awarded Piper a legitimate Black Belt in Judo . Gary Goltz. Instead of being hit first, it was LeBell who would put Bruce Lee in a headlock and carry him around the set. Our aim is to create a shop for BJJ Students who don't look at Jiu-Jitsu as a sport - but a lifestyle. [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. Love ya Gene. You always tried to get me to go dirt biking with you but I never gave in. Muhammad Ali. Alan Oliney, Hey Gene, Thanks for being a four-star mentor to so many and thanks for being Gene Lebell. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), A fight scene on the sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet earned LeBell his SAG card. In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him to 9th Dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. J.N. 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. Could James Harden Potentially Return to Houston After the Season? 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. Along the way, he trained scores of future greats in a variety of disciplines, from Rowdy Roddy Piper in wrestling to Rowdy Ronda Rousey in judo (she, too, eventually wound up in the wrestling business), and even managed to extricate himself from being convicted in the 1976 murder of a private detective who had been digging up dirt on a host of California notables. 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. LeBell established himself as a martial artist long before he moved to Hollywood. [18], LeBell has worked on over 1,000 films, TV shows and commercials as a stuntman or as an actor (including multiple appearances as himself). [7] Despite his pedigree, he did not get over immediately with audiences but gradually became known for his martial arts background. 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. Brandon Recor, Congratulations!!! Gene, I appreciate the things youve accomplished in life, and acknowledge your generosity to those you have helped to achieve theirs. Many modern-day MMA fans recognize LeBell as the one who is present in many of Rousey's early games, coaching her on. Don't miss a beat. "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. 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. I was driving a weenie mobile and Gene was driving a truck and they wanted a near miss, so we did the take and they said we werent close enough we showed em the paint scraped off the sides of the cars and they said, Okay, I guess youre right. I get his patches every year, got em all right here. McCarthy, veteran actress Karen Black and legendary wrestling and martial arts teacher famous for Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. LeBells roots in combat sports ran deep. [17] Ultimately, nothing came from it. They shared their stories about the Toughest Man Alive and Godfather of Grapplings warmth and generosity. 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. Ian Avabe, You Rock a Master of all well deserved Si PJ Hooper Kelly, Congratulations Gene. Its about time. 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. Mary Karcz, Hi Gene, Id just like to Congratulate you on your receiving the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. His mother, Aileen Eaton, promoted fights at the Olympic Auditorium and was the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of . It will be donated to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Southern California, in honor of LeBell. [citation needed] In addition he also worked on the set of the Green Hornet TV show, in which he developed a friendship with Bruce Lee. 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. This award is only given to a select few. He was seen in Rousey's corner during matches and celebrated her victories with her. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! He learnt that the hard way when he came face to face with 'Judo' Gene Lebell and boasted that he was able to escape any hold that the human body could throw at him. Cheers! Whats different about the Sixers this year? Despite his martial arts credentials, LeBell did not immediately connect with wrestling audiences. Please enter a valid email and try again. LeBell has worked on over 1000 TV Show and Film projects. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. Proud to be your friend! Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner. He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. 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. You truly are a one-off, a living legend. August 18 | 2022. blackbeltmag.com. Mal, Jo, and Ben get together to talk about where the Mandalorian people are, what adventure awaits Din and Grogu, and much more. The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode 1 Deep Dive, The Biggest Questions About the Seasons Stretch Run, KDs Suns Debut, Load Management, and Five-Year Anniversary of the Rockets-Clippers Tunnel Debacle. Ill toast you from Texas! LeBell was 89 years old. American judoka and martial arts instructor (19322022), "The Hangman (wrestler)" redirects here. 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. I love you Gene and I am very proud of your accomplishments in our business. After his competitive career, Gene LeBell and his brother Mike would run the National Wrestling Alliance's Los Angeles region between 1968 and 1982. I am so glad I was there Live to see it ! [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". Love ya !!! Stuntman Gene LeBell might not have been around since Hollywood's first fist fight, but his skill has transformed the genre. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. "[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. A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it. 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. 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. It hurt. He is currently the head grappling coach at Jaco Hybrid Training Center.He is the former head grappling coach at both . One thing I learned was never never mess with Gene LeBell. 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. The grappling club master . [12] Finally, he performed a left harai goshi in the fourth round and followed by locking a rear naked choke. The program featured several other martial artists including Graciela Casilas, Karen Sheperd, Victor Ledbetter, Steve Sanders, brothers Benny and Reuben Urquidez, and Dave Vaden. If you saw Quentin Tarantino's . Most of his notoriety came after the release of his biggest film, Enter the Dragon, that same year. He was acquitted and continued performing stunts for the big and small screen, alike. Gene was an actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions for over fifty years with more than 150 acting credits and 250 stunt credits. The late 'Judo' Gene LeBell's 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 friends, students, family LeBell's top student, Gokor Chivichyan, held the event at his martial arts academy, remembering a . His second best fight was probably his back and forth battle with 80's and 90's martial arts action star Steven Seagal. Your positivity and generosity knows no limit. [7] In 1954 and 1955, while only 22 years of age, he captured both the heavyweight and overall Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships. RIP Gene LeBell - Part II. And in February, 2005 Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree black belt in judo by USJJF. It was the long-running Lassie series that first tested LeBells mettle. Judo Gene!!! He is highly respected by many martial artists all over the world, and has . LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. "My name is Gene LeBell. He is loved by so many and admired by countless others. The pink gi was inspired by a trip LeBell took to Japan where a pair of his red socks or shorts made their way into the laundry, turning his white uniform to pink. Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree in jujitsu and taihojutsu in 2000 by the United States Ju-Jitsu (USJJF) Ju Jitsu Federation. 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. He believed in me which made me believe in myself. A half-century ago, Pink Floyd unleashed a classic that still lingers on the Billboard charts and in college dorms to this day. After, my arms were trembling with strain, you told me to stop and smiled at me, and said kid, dont quit your day job. Gene taught my three sons how to take every day life in the training under Gene. 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. An additional stipulation prevented LeBell from attempting tackles or takedowns under the waist. Im proud to be a friend of yours for over 50 years. Congratulations! The godfather of modern grappling and a legitimate tough guy in his own right, LeBell. Bottles, chairs, and other debris were thrown into the ring. 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. 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. 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. Few will live a life as extraordinary as Gene LeBell has. Is Golden State a sleeping giant? 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. You deserve every bit of it! With love and affection, Sandy Gimpel, Congrats on your big nite!! In 2004, Gene Lebell was promoted to 10th degree black belt in those arts. 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, also known as 'Judo Gene LeBell' is best known for, you guessed it, judo. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman Judo Gene LeBell would have turned 90. As a stuntman, Gene has worked on more than 1000 film and television projects during a career that has spanned over 50 years. It was a fascinating collection of people mourning too, from the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts, acting, and beyond. Awesome Steve Picerni. On March 18, 1995, the Cauliflower Alley Club again honored LeBell by presenting him with the "Iron Mike Mazurki" award; presented by one of his teachers, legendary professional wrestling champion Lou Thesz. Ronnie and Mary Rondell, Congratulations Uncle Gene! Ill never forget that moment, congratulations brother. Contents Roddy Piper Talks MMA and Judo Gene LeBell I have ridden on the back of his bike for one of his marathon wheelies.Pine Mtn Club so much fun. Gary Davis, So awesome!!! wrote the Stuntmans Association of Motion Pictures in a statement to Variety, whose portrayal of an overconfident Lee by actor Mike Moh in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood spurred backlash. I feel honored to say Ive never been choked out by the legend Gene LaBellI consider you a true friend. However, he had one last sports achievement on the horizon: an actual mixed martial arts boutsaid by some to be the first of its kind, though there were boxer-versus-wrestler antecedents in prior decadesin 1963 against middleweight boxing gatekeeper Milo Savage, whose lengthy career was winding down. 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. In the martial arts, he captured the National A.A.U. With only one uniform in his luggage, he wore the pink gi in Japan, and beat the competition. 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. 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. He is a two time AAU National Judo Champion and he was a professional wrestling world heavyweight champion . Its great having such a role model to look up to. Weve worked together for over (50) years and its been (50) years of pure delight. And Thank You for all those Decals and Patches you sent Charlotte and I each Christmas. On the day of the match, Savage appeared wearing a karategi instead, much tighter and harder to grab.