I have ridden on the back of his bike for one of his marathon wheelies.Pine Mtn Club so much fun. Im proud to be a friend of yours for over 50 years. We love him! Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. To this day you are still teaching and sharing your wealth of knowledge with the next generation! It was agreed that the match would last five 3 three minute rounds. It was in her promotion that a Texas-born grappler named George Wagner first donned an elaborate robe, dyed his hair blond, walked to the ring with a valet, and became the 1950s television sensation Gorgeous George, the toast of the coast.. Featuring "Judo" Gene LeBell's champion student "The Armenian Assassin" Gokor Chivichyan and friends." . As wellback in the day..i drove out to ride motos with Gene & some friends at his area in Frazier Park. He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. As soon as he landed, LeBell used a foot sweep to sweep Seagal off the floor, with Seagal landing on his back. You were a better reference than SAG! Mike Massa, Congratulations Gene!! He was also a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge, including judging UFC 74 (Randy Couture vs. Gabriel Gonzaga) and his website judogene.com is visited by martial arts and film fans all over the globe. Influential combat sports icon "Judo" Gene LeBell has died at 89. Will Bowman, Well deserved! 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. In June 1976, LeBell refereed the infamous boxing-versus-wrestling contest between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Tokyo, Japan. 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. Judo Gene LeBell has died at age 89 - Cageside Seats [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. UFC 285 Preview: Can Jon Jones Turn Back the Clock? 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. Is MJF the Second Coming of CM Punk? Bob Debbie Hennessey, Congrats Gene. At Hayastan MMA Academy, the focus is to teach our students a variety of Martial Art disciplines - We specialize in Judo, Sambo, Wrestling, Gi and No Gi Grappling, Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA. Gene LeBell was chosen for the match out of over 200 candidates. J.N. Love you brother congratulations! Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. We couldnt prouder. Lance Gilbert, Gene , you are surely deserving of this achievement even though your humility wont allow you to agree with us. His first match would be against the highly ranked judoka John Osako. LeBell also gained notoriety for the way he dealt with the notoriously eccentric and aggressive Steven Seagal on the set of the 1991 film Out for Justice. Gene LeBell, also known as 'Judo Gene LeBell' is best known for, you guessed it, judo. 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. LeBell came off the floor by a few feet. In 1994, LeBell counted kickboxing champion Benny Urquidez and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners the Machado brothers among his training partners. The tributes for "Judo" Gene LeBell, who died on August 9, 2022, at age 89, poured in after news of his passing starting circulating. May we all continue to learn from you and strive to reach the heights youve reached. The late 'Judo' Gene LeBell's 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 How Do We Solve This Crisis? Craig Hosking, Congratulations Gene you are a legend! Gene LeBell - IMDb 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. The two became close friends, but the actors untimely death stymied LeBells chance for future speaking parts. Despite his martial arts credentials, LeBell did not immediately connect with wrestling audiences. Roberts, Nobody in the world more respected!! One day in. "Judo" Gene LeBell | The Godfather of Grappling (Gene LeBell Biography). Oops. Norman Howell, Congratulations Gene LeBell an incredible Honor an so well deserved. Along the way, his list of big-name collaborators, students, and opponents became as packed as his CV; in addition to Lee, . 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. 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. In 2004, Gene Lebell was promoted to 10th degree black belt in those arts. Enjoyed reading about 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. In February 2005, the USJJF made him 9th dan in judo. For LeBell, one martial art naturally flowed into another; they were already mixing together in his curious mind. Aloha, Brian Keaulana, Congratulations Gene! (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. Gene's funeral will be private for immediate family only. 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. Chuck Norris. A student of catch wrestling titans Lou Thesz, Karl Gotch, and Ed "Strangler" Lewis, LeBell's notable students include Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Ronda Rousey. The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference. thank you so much for all the encouragement over all these decades . Erik Stabenau, Congratulations Gene. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North. Ivan "Judo" Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. Ivan Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler. Congratulations my brother!!! It must be said at this stage that . 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. I love ya man. Legend Gene LeBell's Life Is Set To Be Made Into A Book And Film Gene LeBell Had A Hilarious Response To That Famous Steven - Looper We worked out about 10 to 12 times at his place in Los Angeles Chinatown and at my place.. Congratulations Uncle Gene! Congrats my friend and God Bless. He worked in. 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 . [citation needed], On March 23, 1991, LeBell was awarded the Honorary "Reel" Membership by the Ring of Friendship of the Cauliflower Alley Club. He sparred with James Cagney while shooting "Blood on the Sun" in 1945, allowing the famous actor to dominate the 20-minute skirmish which . R.I.P. legendary wrestler and stunt performer Gene LeBell - The A.V. Club His very first match was against John Osako, one of the highest ranked judokas at the national level. [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". "My . An additional stipulation prevented LeBell from attempting tackles or takedowns under the waist. LeBell has worked on over 1000 TV Show and Film projects. Gregg Smrz, So well deserved! 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. Jimmy Halty, Congratulations Gene. [7] Despite his pedigree, he did not get over immediately with audiences but gradually became known for his martial arts background. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. 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. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), A fight scene on the sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet earned LeBell his SAG card. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. Sammy Horowitz, Congratulations Gene, its about time you were acknowledged for your amazing contribution to the stunt world. LeBell, Gene [WorldCat Identities] 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. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! August 10, 2022 1:24pm. With love and affection, Sandy Gimpel, Congrats on your big nite!! Craig Frosty Silva, Gene LeBell What can anybody tell you about Gene LeBell? Instructed through brutal tutorials by professional wrestlers and old-school masters, he developed adult skills by 13. (Gene LeBell Biography), LeBell transitioned from amateur to AAU national judo champ in 1954 and catapulted to national attention but as a pro wrestler, playing Hank the Hangman; he made a living by losing every match. I had a 2-stroke so i had to unload at an area specifiedthe 4-strokes rode the streets to the mountains and riding area.As i was driving my bike in my pick-up.Gene passed me standing on the seat of his XR doin a wheelieGene is an Amazing man.Open arms.. to a choke-out! Ya big goofball!!! He was 89. judo. Thank you for all you have done for those of us blessed to learn from you. [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. Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts, and we would get together frequently. The grappling club master . With only one uniform in his luggage, he wore the pink gi in Japan, and beat the competition. 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. Wrestlers & MMA stars pay tribute to Gene LeBell. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, especially us. Neil Melanson is an American submission grappling coach. 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. 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. After earning these titles, LeBell made the transition to professional wrestling because of the promise of better earnings in the sport. 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. Mike Bohn. It hurt. 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. Mahalo Christopher Chabriel, Congratulations MEAN GENE!!! Remembering Gene LeBell - The Ringer Way to go Uncle Gene!!! A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. (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. 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. Best to You Gene !! Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Famous wrestler, Martial artist Ivan Gene LeBell better known as Gene LeBell, passes away at 89. 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. The only thing I have against MMA is they dont have a retirement plan. Bruce Lee Scene in Once Upon A Time in Hollywood Was Inspired By Gene Here's an attempt to share some of those posts and tweets from the cross . [8] Gene also wrestled under a black mask as The Hangman, teaming up with Roy Staggs. This is very much deserved. It couldnt go to a better man. Gene is survived by his wife Midge, his children Monica and David; stepchildren Danny and Stacey; and grandchildren Daniel, Tyler and Nicholas. Gene LeBell, iconic martial arts pioneer, dies at the age of 89 We ask all these burning questions, and more! 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 . Many modern-day MMA fans recognize LeBell as the one who is present in many of Rousey's early games, coaching her on. To succeed in the NFL, hell need to be an outlier among outliers. Stuntman Gene LeBell might not have been around since Hollywood's first fist fight, but his skill has transformed the genre. 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. LeBell later mentored world-class athletes and silver screen legends. BJJ Fanatics was started by a pair of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts who know that nothing is more important for a fellow fanatic than their time on the mat. At four months old (April 1941), the Lee family returned to Hong Kong. Plus, does starting Tyrese Maxey versus DeAnthony Melton make a difference on the defensive end? Gene LeBell - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia He would also occasionally wrestle in a disguise as The Hangman. LeBell helped Seagal up. Bruce Lee. 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, iconic martial arts pioneer, dies at the age of 89 - Daily He is there to help you any time any where. Gene has trained with numerous other world champion martial artists includingChuck Norris,Bill Wallace, andBenny Urquidez. Gene LeBell chokes out student and he has 'accident' David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! One thing I learned was never never mess with Gene LeBell. Congrats Rick Avery, Congratulations Uncle Gene! Home | hayastanmma The Toughest Man Alive. 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. Well deserved my friend, and sensei! Rick Seaman, Well Geno, they said it couldnt be done but youve done it again. LeBell's longtime friend Bas Rutten first revealed the news on Facebook. Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 It is with a heavy heart that we recognize our past member and friend, Mr. Gene LeBell, has passed on. 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. You have been a legend for over 60 years and Im honored each month that I get to see you!!!! Judo is wrestling with handles, he told Black Belt magazine in 1994. You may have seen his name in the credits of countless movies and television shows dating back to the late 1960's. You may have caught the "Godfather of Grappling" in one of his matches in the world of professional wrestling, you may know him as the "toughest man on the . Ronda Rousey. [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. 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. 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. What Really Happened When Bruce Lee Met Gene LeBell Did Judo Gene Lebell defeat Bruce Lee? If not, would Bruce Lee - Quora You have given so much to our community and film business! [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. (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. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. Here's What Really Happened When Bruce Lee Fought A - TheThings The boxer blocked the move, which aggravated an old shoulder injury of LeBell. 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. If you saw Quentin Tarantino's . 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. Oliver Lee Bateman is a journalist and sports historian who lives in Pittsburgh. A large frame surrounded a pink gi his signature judo uniform hung above a doorway leading to the training area. 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 seeds that Gene LeBell helped plant have grown into the modern landscape of mixed martial arts that we know today. Although LeBell would remain undefeated in the sport for eight years, even traveling to Japan in 1955 to further his judo skillsand, following a laundry mishap, adopt the pink gi that became a signature piece of his in-ring lookhis interests were too varied to allow him to focus exclusively on one sport. Gene LeBell's most famous match was his match with boxer/wrestler Milo Savage. After his mother remarried, LeBell was raised near L.A.s old Olympic Auditorium. 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. This award is only given to a select few. You always got the cool moves to Choke em Out .. stay healthy my friend .. Love, Troy Gilbert, Unreal. Interview with Gene LeBell - Kung-fu Kingdom 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. However, Tarantino disputes this claim. Congratulations! 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. His mother, Aileen Eaton, promoted fights at the Olympic Auditorium and was the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of . Gene LeBell would ultimately choke his opponent unconscious after a tentative start to the match. Gene taught my three sons how to take every day life in the training under Gene. Confused by William Beaudines direction, LeBell ended up being chomped by a 700-pound bear named Victor. However, no context is provided for the encounterup until the fight, Booths martial arts credentials, unlike LeBells, are completely unknown, and he defeats Lee on the feet rather than with wrestling techniques. Judo Gene LeBell the Godfather of Grappling was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywoods busiest stuntmen. You don't earn the nickname 'Judo' without knowing a thing or two about combat; just ask Steven Seagal. 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. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. Brad Curran June 8, 2018 Interviews. Allen Lopa, Congrats to a legend!! 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. I tried to get your son some work but hes always at the beach. It has been alleged that at some point LeBell heard about the claim and gave Seagal the opportunity to prove it. Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. Are the Lakers dead? The judoka and his team showed their sportsmanship by helping to revive Savage using kappo, as neither the referee nor the ring doctor knew how to resuscitate him. Answer (1 of 12): Well It seems to be a bit of a controversy about this. LeBell accompanied Ronda Rousey to the cage for some of her MMA matches in recent years, and served as a MMA judge through 2018. UFC news: 'Judo' Gene LeBell dead at 89; MMA community mourns Love ya Gene. Love ya !!! 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. 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. 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? I have always been inspired by this quality in you Uncle Gene and I cherish the memories of the many great experiences we have had together.