[30], LeBell and Ginsburgs were former friends and business partners of Hall. You truly are a one-off, a living legend. 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. 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. It hurt. Mahalo Christopher Chabriel, Congratulations MEAN GENE!!! Over the course of this six-decade career, LeBell had a hand in training many prominent players in the entertainment, wrestling, and MMA worlds. Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner. LeBell was also a judo and grappling prodigy. 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.
Legendary MMA Trainer Gene LeBell Has Passed Away At 89 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. Ronda Rousey. 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. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. Love ya, Buddy Joe Hooker, My dear friend Gene. I feel really fortunate to have had him as a part of my life as it is, and really glad to also been able to tell him what an amazing human being, and what an amazing martial artist, he was straight to his face.. You can follow him on Twitter (@MoustacheClubUS) and read more of his work at www.oliverbateman.com. He also had 8 grandchildren. Please enter a valid email and try again. LeBell was selected from over 200 other applicants to referee the bout. 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. He was 89. 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. LeBell came off the floor by a few feet. LeBell was 89 years old. Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. LeBell later mentored world-class athletes and silver screen legends. Its about time!! After an illustrious judo career, Gene tried his hand at professional wrestling, and actually won the heavyweight title in Amarillo, Texas. [10], The loss by Savage, the hometown favorite, caused the crowd to react violently. His second best fight was probably his back and forth battle with 80's and 90's martial arts action star Steven Seagal. Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars.
Home | hayastanmma Gene LeBell, Hollywood Stuntman and Martial Artist, Dies at 89 - Variety Beck claimed that a boxer could defeat any martial artist in a straight fight and offered $1000 to anyone who could prove otherwise.
The Life & Legend of "Judo" Gene LeBell - POST Wrestling 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. He won the Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships in 1954 and 1955 when he was 22, according to Black Belt Magazine. 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.
[2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books. . His career bore that out. Love you brother congratulations! Gene has trained with numerous other world champion martial artists includingChuck Norris,Bill Wallace, andBenny Urquidez. Many modern-day MMA fans recognize LeBell as the one who is present in many of Rousey's early games, coaching her on. 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. [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. Rick Seaman, Well Geno, they said it couldnt be done but youve done it again. Will Bowman, Well deserved! A long overdue, but well deserved award. 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. Judo Gene LeBell the Godfather of Grappling was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywoods busiest stuntmen. A half-century ago, Pink Floyd unleashed a classic that still lingers on the Billboard charts and in college dorms to this day. Freddie Blassie. LeBell would win the match osaekomi where the practitioner pins the opponent for a specified amount of time earning the victory. [8], In 1963, LeBell became involved with a challenge by boxer and writer Jim Beck to the practitioners of Japanese martial arts. 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. 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? On the day of the match, Savage appeared wearing a karategi instead, much tighter and harder to grab.
Why Gene LeBell's Life Is Like A Movie - TWM+: Sports, Entertainment [7][8] In return, Savage offered to wear a judogi. 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. Colleagues, friends and fans (in most cases they qualify as all three) have contributed their congratulations to the living legend that is Judo Gene LeBell. Wear this Award well my friend. 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! 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. Freddy Bouceigues, No one deserves this more then you uncle Gene. The boxer blocked the move, which aggravated an old shoulder injury of LeBell. [citation needed], On March 23, 1991, LeBell was awarded the Honorary "Reel" Membership by the Ring of Friendship of the Cauliflower Alley Club. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. 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. Michael Hilow, Congratulations to the prettiest man in Hollywood, and the reason the phrase Bad Ass was created.. No one is more deserving than my buddy, and everyones Uncle.. Uncle Gene!
Neil Melanson - Wikipedia 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 . A large frame surrounded a pink gi his signature judo uniform hung above a doorway leading to the training area. Gene LeBell talks about Bruce Lee.
Gene LeBell - Wikipedia Sugar Ray Robinson. Challenge coins, decorated with an image of LeBell, were sold for donations, which raised more than $2,000. (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, preferring to let others do the talking for him, told MMA journalist Ariel Helwani in 2012 that if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it.. Congrats to the amazing living legend John Stoneham, Jr. Congratulations Gene, you know I love you, and Im so very very proud of you. They knew each other and worked together on the Green Hornet. David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! As wellback in the day..i drove out to ride motos with Gene & some friends at his area in Frazier Park. Hardcover - January 1, 2004. Ivan Judo Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. The athletic youngster tested himself with such self-imposed challenges as scaling 60-foot-high lighting stanchions to replace spent bulbs. It has been an honor to work with you ,and see how much you have done, over the years. ", "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. Chuck Norris. When he arrived, Gene LeBell learned that he would not be fighting Beck, but instead a much more well-known boxer in Milo Savage. Congratulations Gene Eric Norris, Gene LeBell is my hero and always has been. thank you so much for all the encouragement over all these decades .
Remembering Gene LeBell - The Ringer Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. Along the way, his list of big-name collaborators, students, and opponents became as packed as his CV; in addition to Lee, . He popularized grappling in pro-fighting circles and had a famous run-in with Steven Seagal. Andy Gill, Congratulations Gene !!! He is the greatest!! 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. Brad Curran June 8, 2018 Interviews. Congrats my friend and God Bless. Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree in jujitsu and taihojutsu in 2000 by the United States Ju-Jitsu (USJJF) Ju Jitsu Federation. 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. In 2004, Gene Lebell was promoted to 10th degree black belt in those arts. Long overdue! 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. ( Aubrey Sitterson, rondarousey.com, 2018). Jimmy Halty, Congratulations Gene. For most of Eatons time in the business, she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, possibly even the world. Gene's funeral will be private for immediate family only. We are incredibly sad to report that our hero, dear friend and Stunts Unlimited brother passed away yesterday, August 9th, 2022 at the age of 89. Michael Nesbitt, Congratulations, judo Gene LeBell Tony Epperson, Congratulations! Answer (1 of 12): Well It seems to be a bit of a controversy about this. [17] Ultimately, nothing came from it. McCarthy, veteran actress Karen Black and legendary wrestling and martial arts teacher famous for Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. Congratulations very well deserved! Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts, and we would get together frequently. You are an inspiration!!
Gene LeBell - Biography - IMDb if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it. [7] In 1954 and 1955, while only 22 years of age, he captured both the heavyweight and overall Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships. 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. 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. Love ya Gene. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. It was a fascinating collection of people mourning too, from the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts, acting, and beyond. 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. Well deserved. Besides being a boxer, Milo Savage also had a background in wrestling. [7][10] Savage even attempted to sweep the judoka in one instance. 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. 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. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman Judo Gene LeBell would have turned 90. Craig Frosty Silva, Gene LeBell What can anybody tell you about Gene LeBell? UFC 285 Preview: Can Jon Jones Turn Back the Clock? 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.
Gene LeBell, iconic martial arts pioneer, dies at the age of 89 - Daily A lot of fighters are broke. Gene LeBell was chosen for the match out of over 200 candidates. A tribute to the late martial artist, stuntman, actor and pro wrestler Gene LeBell. Ivan Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler. (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.
Gene LeBell Dies: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Who Fought Bruce Jimmy Roberts, Gene youve always told me Im the best but your THE GREATEST Love ya, Manny Perry, I owe everything to Gene. An incredible life being rightfully recognized. LeBells roots in combat sports ran deep. 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. The Hollywood Reporter: Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and Godfather of Grappling, Dies at 89, Deadline: Gene LeBell Dies: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Who Fought Bruce Lee & Chuck Norris Onscreen Was 89, MMA Fighting: Toughest man I know: Pros react to pioneer Judo Gene LeBells death, The Huffington Post: Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman, Martial Artist And Bruce Lees Teacher Dies At 89. Since Hayastan MMA Academy first opened its door, it has been one of the top gyms in the world. Tarantino, whose portrayal of an overconfident Lee by actor Mike Moh in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood spurred backlash drew heavily from LeBell when he crafted Brad Pitts character in the film as stuntman Cliff Booth, as LeBell had trained in Japan and studied judo years before Lee became a master. Something went wrong. 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. So may you rest in power, Gene.. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. #246C,Beverly, MA 01915,United States. 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. Ross Clay, Gene is the most unselfish and most giving person I know. 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. In June 1976, LeBell refereed the infamous boxing-versus-wrestling contest between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Tokyo, Japan. Humbled to be 1 of many. [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. 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. Congratulations! After his mother remarried, LeBell was raised near L.A.s old Olympic Auditorium. It has been alleged that at some point LeBell heard about the claim and gave Seagal the opportunity to prove it.
Gene LeBell | Profile with News, Stats, Age & Height - Sports Pundit LeBell was 89 years old. LeBell helped Seagal up. The promoters were looking for karate and judo bumsvery distinct striking and grappling specialties, though LeBell knew the basics of karateto fight a boxer, whom LeBell assumed would be Jim Beck, a highly regarded amateur who had called out the practitioners of those sports. Osu J.J. Perry, Gene, Ill never forget the time on set, when you let me try and choke you out. Thank you Gene for your friendship over the decades. Lee was especially interested in exploring grappling with help from him and exchanged ideas[19] on various fighting techniques. He would also occasionally wrestle in a disguise as The Hangman. 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. Few will live a life as extraordinary as Gene LeBell has. It must be said at this stage that . A professional stuntman and actor, LeBell appeared in over 1,000 films and TV shows, and authored 12 books. One thing I learned was never never mess with Gene LeBell. Gene LeBell heard about the proclamation and decided to take Seagal up on the challenge. 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. He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. 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. The tributes for "Judo" Gene LeBell, who died on August 9, 2022, at age 89, poured in after news of his passing starting circulating. You too? Lance Gilbert, Gene , you are surely deserving of this achievement even though your humility wont allow you to agree with us. His students in those fields included Roddy Piper, Ronda Rousey, and many others. Tanner Gill, Congrats Uncle Gene!!
Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 Who was 'Judo' Gene LeBell? Martial artist, 89, was the - MEAWW Bob Debbie Hennessey, Congrats Gene. 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 . LeBell, who also authored more than 12 books on martial arts that simultaneously chronicled his storied career, is survived by his wife Eleanor, children Monica and David, stepchildren Danny and Stacy, and grandchildren Daniel, Tyler and Nicholas. A brief google of you name brings up pages and pages of awesome stories about what youve really accomplished in so many fields. [23] LeBell's trainee Ronda Rousey, assured Seagal was the one lying and said: "If [Seagal] says anything bad about Gene to my face, I'd have to make him crap his pants a second time. LeBells career wasnt without controversy of its own, thoughnot long after refereeing the Ali-Inoki fight in 1976, he was arrested for his role in the murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall, whose residence contained hours of phone recordings connected to powerful local figures and even the 1972 presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. Heffay Cadiente, Big congrats Uncle Gene! The two became close friends, but the actors untimely death stymied LeBells chance for future speaking parts.
Gene LeBell, iconic martial arts pioneer, dies at the age of 89 For 89 years, few did that work better than Judo Gene LeBell.
"Judo" Gene LeBelle Passes Away At Age 89 | Rajah.com Grand Master Leg Locks by Gokor Chivichyan. 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. Congratulations Gene. Best to You Gene !!
Legend Gene LeBell's Life Is Set To Be Made Into A Book And Film As a stuntman, Gene has worked on more than 1000 film and television projects during a career that has spanned over 50 years. 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. Confused by William Beaudines direction, LeBell ended up being chomped by a 700-pound bear named Victor. [29], LeBell was arrested, charged with, and tried for the July 1976 murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall. In the stunt world, I get a pretty doggone good retirement from SAG and AFTRAand I can still work.. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. LeBell has worked on over 1000 TV Show and Film projects. 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. [9], Encouraged by Ed Parker,[8] LeBell accepted the challenge and travelled to Salt Lake City to meet Beck. August 18 | 2022. blackbeltmag.com. Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. Steve Boyum, Absolutely couldnt go to a better candidate. 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. Roberts, Nobody in the world more respected!! Savanah Dawn Lilley, The one and only Uncle Gene! A industry standard, and great human being! People gather to celebrate the life of Judo Gene LeBell on what would have been his 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. LeBell!!! Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell's death via Facebook, writing, "You will be greatly missed Gene, RIP Gene LeBell - Part II. Some of his most famous students were, Ronda Rousey, Sugar Ray Robinson,.
Gene LeBell Had A Hilarious Response To That Famous Steven - Looper He deserves this award. Afterwards, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling.