Gene LeBell - MMA & Wrestling Pioneer - Passes Away At 89 - TheMix.net 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. judo. Gene LeBell - Wikipedia They shared their stories about the Toughest Man Alive and Godfather of Grapplings warmth and generosity. I am so glad I was there Live to see it ! (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. Rick Seaman, Well Geno, they said it couldnt be done but youve done it again. 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. Video: Gene LeBell in boxing vs. judo fight in 1963 Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. 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. 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. LeBell was never a main-event star in wrestling and by even the most generous assessment wasnt exactly a crowd-pleaser in the ring. (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 LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. In the the Quentin Tarantino film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", Bruce Lee was made to look as an arrogant martial arts actor. You deserve every bit of it! Congratulations my brother!!! Gene LeBell is currently married to Wendy LeBell whom he married in 1977. Most of his notoriety came after the release of his biggest film, Enter the Dragon, that same year. We couldnt prouder. 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. Ronnie and Mary Rondell, Congratulations Uncle Gene! LeBell came off the floor by a few feet. Tough Guys Wear Pink in Any Color, Judo Master and Film Stuntman Gene Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. August 18 | 2022. blackbeltmag.com. In a recent conversation with Bob Calhoun, the coauthor of LeBells autobiography The Godfather of Grappling, the judoka, then 87 years old, said he was surprised that Lee didnt try to counter me, so I think he was more surprised than anything else. In the years that followed, Lee worked with LeBell to incorporate grappling into his films, defeating Sammo Hung with an arm bar in Enter the Dragon and Chuck Norriswho would become another long-time collaborator of LeBellsvia chokehold in Way of the Dragon. Judo is wrestling with handles, he told Black Belt magazine in 1994. Neil Melanson - Wikipedia 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 served as the referee for the exhibition match between world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki on June 26, 1976, at . "My . By the time he transitioned to judo in the early 1950s, LeBell had already spent untold hours in submission holds and on the receiving end of punches from boxers like the great Sugar Ray Robinson at L.A.s famous Main Street Gym. The two became close friends, but the actors untimely death stymied LeBells chance for future speaking parts. A half-century ago, Pink Floyd unleashed a classic that still lingers on the Billboard charts and in college dorms to this day. 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 . 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. Thank you for all you have done for those of us blessed to learn from you. Unfortunately, Bruce Lee passed away a few years later in 1973. To succeed in the NFL, hell need to be an outlier among outliers. The Legendary Gene LeBell Passes Away at 89 - Wrestling Headlines Gene LeBell's martial arts career was supported and influenced by his mother "Red Head" Aileen Eaten who was a promoter of both sports and who owned the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Why Are American Teens So Unhappy? 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. Congratulations brother Gene!!! Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman, Martial Artist And Bruce Lee's Teacher It was LeBells first movieland lesson: Always let the star win. "My name is Gene LeBell. LeBell established himself as a martial artist long before he moved to Hollywood. So happy for you. Gene LeBell Record, Net Worth, Weight, Age & More! Others awarded have been James Cagney, Kirk Douglas, Karl Malden, Cesar Romero, Mickey Rooney, and Sylvester Stallone (movie stars that also did boxing and wrestling). David would look at me glassy eyed and say No you dont! They thought of each other has good friends but Gene Lebell said he taught Bruce Lee but Bruce said they shared techniques but not as a teacher/student relationsh. Over the course of this six-decade career, LeBell had a hand in training many prominent players in the entertainment, wrestling, and MMA worlds. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North. Gary Davis, So awesome!!! Gene LeBell was a man who lived a full and adventurous life. Best Hugh Aodh OBrien, All Rights Reserved.Web design by My Life at Speed Digital Services, Stan Barrett, Paul Newman, and Breaking Land Speed Records, Annual Stunts Unlimited Directory Membership Payment, The Stunts Unlimited Directory Membership 20% Off Promotion, actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions, https://stuntsunlimited.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Jon-Boucher-One-of-my-personal-favorite-Gene-Lebell-television-appearances-as-Tarzan-McGirk-taking-on-the-mysterious-Masked-Marvel-on-an-episode-of-The-Munsters..mp4, In Loving Memory of Judo Gene LeBell, 1932-2022. The legendary story of Steven Seagal and 'Judo' Gene Lebell Im proud to be a friend of yours for over 50 years. A professional stuntman and actor, LeBell appeared in over 1,000 films and TV shows, and authored 12 books. Wrestling, MMA, movie worlds pay tribute to Judo Gene LeBell . He will always be my Stunt Senei. In addition to spending extensive time in the world of . [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). 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. After an illustrious judo career, Gene tried his hand at professional wrestling, and actually won the heavyweight title in Amarillo, Texas. Allen Lopa, Congrats to a legend!! Instead of being hit first, it was LeBell who would put Bruce Lee in a headlock and carry him around the set. Youre not only a legend to me but a great, great friend. Big hug and a kiss! 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. You have definitely earned it for all your contributions to the industry. 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. A brief google of you name brings up pages and pages of awesome stories about what youve really accomplished in so many fields. 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. 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. LeBell's conviction for being an accessory was later overturned by the California Courts of Appeal. The godfather of modern grappling and a legitimate tough guy in his own right, LeBell. He began training catch wrestling at age 7 with Ed "The Strangler" Lewis. LeBell recalled throwing Lee over his shoulder and running around set as Lee screamed, Put me down or Ill kill you. The pair became friends, and LeBell taught Lee judo and wrestling moves, many of which Lee used in his movies, The Way of The Dragon and Enter the Dragon., He was the best martial artist of his time, LeBell recalled in Black Belt Magazine. Answer (1 of 12): Well It seems to be a bit of a controversy about this. "I learned the [LeBell Lock] from a guy named Neil Melanson," Danielson told the WWE website in 2010. [10] Also, according to LeBell and other sources, Savage's gloves contained brass knuckles[9][10] and he had greased up his gi with vaseline to make gripping it more difficult. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . He has fought, trained and performed with a dizzying array of some of the most prolific athletes and actors in the world. His career bore that out. Christian Fletcher, Congratulations Gene! 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. We love him! However, in his excitement Gene swung the title belt around his head, which accidentally hit one of the wrestling commissioners on the head, causing a nasty gash. Beck claimed that a boxer could defeat any martial artist in a straight fight and offered $1000 to anyone who could prove otherwise. 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. Cheers! You are a true living legend! It goes to a great man of strength, integrity and honor. According to Lambert, Seagal explained to LeBell that he did not believe his choke hold was effective, and that he could escape from it. Gene LeBell, who died on August 9 at age 89, led a life so expansive that any mere retelling of it would come across like a tall tale, the stuff of Pecos Bill and Paul Bunyanif all of it werent true. For LeBell, one martial art naturally flowed into another; they were already mixing together in his curious mind. Andy Gill, Congratulations Gene !!! Sat 9th Apr 2022 19.30 BST. It is alleged that as soon as LeBell placed his arms around Seagal's neck and Seagal said "go" that LeBell choked him unconscious. Whether through his chokes or his jokes, Gene LeBell has been an inspiration for more people than he will ever realize. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. There has also been rumors that the unconscious Seagal may have soiled himself. Lance Gilbert, Gene , you are surely deserving of this achievement even though your humility wont allow you to agree with us. [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. [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. In 2004, Gene Lebell was promoted to 10th degree black belt in those arts. Love you brother congratulations! Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! In 1994, LeBell counted kickboxing champion Benny Urquidez and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners the Machado brothers among his training partners. [8], After returning to the United States, LeBell competed as a heavyweight. Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell's death via Facebook, writing, "You will be greatly missed Gene, 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. 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.. Brandon Recor, Congratulations!!! 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. God Bless you Gene and your lovely wife and thanks you for all the things you taught me. 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. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Famous wrestler, Martial artist Ivan Gene LeBell better known as Gene LeBell, passes away at 89. 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. Martial arts legend 'Judo' Gene LeBell dies at 89 - MMA Fighting UFC news: 'Judo' Gene LeBell dead at 89; MMA community mourns Norman Howell, Congratulations Gene LeBell an incredible Honor an so well deserved. So well deserved!! Brad Curran June 8, 2018 Interviews. Roddy Piper. Former stuntman, wrestling promoter Gene LeBell dead at 89 Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic both had 40-point games after the Sixers loss against the Mavs. Its about time. The Alabama passer is one of the smallest QB prospects to be pegged as a first-round pick. 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. AEW Revolution Preview, and Whats Going on With Brock, Bray, Bobby, and Omos? He taught me how to fight, taught me how to ride. 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. His second best fight was probably his back and forth battle with 80's and 90's martial arts action star Steven Seagal. He worked in. Gene taught my three sons how to take every day life in the training under Gene. The combatants were initially cautious, with LeBell being the first in pressing the action by attempting to throw Savage down. Contents Roddy Piper Talks MMA and Judo Gene LeBell Bryan Danielson's LeBell Lock was named after the legendary grappler. Few people know the amount of time, energy, dedication, innovation , and pure love you have graced us with in your illustrious career! Savanah Dawn Lilley, The one and only Uncle Gene! A industry standard, and great human being! Bruce Lee. 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 . It couldnt go to a better man. Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner. 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. The Toughest Man Alive: Gene LeBell: 9780953176670: Amazon.com: Books 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 would ultimately choke his opponent unconscious after a tentative start to the match. Scott Wilder, Thank you Sensei for paving the way for martial artists in this biz! 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. The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference. Gene is survived by his wife Midge, his children Monica and David; stepchildren Danny and Stacey; and grandchildren Daniel, Tyler and Nicholas. Love, Greg & Barbie Barnett, Youve been my hero my entire career. [20], LeBell is associated with Gokor Chivichyan's Hayastan MMA Academy where he taught grappling classes. 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. 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 . Gene LeBell Passes Away At Age 89 - Ringside News When he arrived, Gene LeBell learned that he would not be fighting Beck, but instead a much more well-known boxer in Milo Savage. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. Gene LeBell was chosen for the match out of over 200 candidates. LeBells roots in combat sports ran deep. [10][11] Nevertheless, LeBell got mount and found the opportunity to execute an armbar, but he opted instead to seek a choke, concluding that Savage would not surrender to a broken arm. Along the way, his list of big-name collaborators, students, and opponents became as packed as his CV; in addition to Lee, . He won the Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships in 1954 and 1955 when he was 22, according to Black Belt Magazine. 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. There is no one alive on this planet that deserves this Life Time Achievement Award more than you. Gene LeBell's most famous match was his match with boxer/wrestler Milo Savage. Michael Hughes, Thank you for being such an influence and inspiration to MANY! Humbled to be 1 of many. Mickey Gilbert, Ill never forget working with Gene in Minneapolis for David Ellis. 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. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. We cant have blood! Gaffer tape stanched the bleeding, and LeBell managed six more takes. 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. [17] Ultimately, nothing came from it. For most of Eatons time in the business, she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, possibly even the world. The only thing that is different is that judo has strangleholds, which arent done in pro wrestling., Although LeBell considered full-time careers as a boxer and a judoka, the lure of better money in pro wrestling and Hollywood stunt productionsas well as connections to both industriesled him into those fields. In return, the boxer's camp agreed that he would wear a Judo Gi or uniform, although he ultimately wore a Karate Gi which fit much tighter and was more difficult to grab onto. Wear this Award well my friend. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. If you saw Quentin Tarantino's . Part of HuffPost Entertainment. A true legend with a legacy of amazing stunt history. Remembering Gene LeBell - The Ringer Instructed through brutal tutorials by professional wrestlers and old-school masters, he developed adult skills by 13. 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. Confused by William Beaudines direction, LeBell ended up being chomped by a 700-pound bear named Victor. Never ever have I known a man so talented, having so much wisdom and experience, so giving of his knowledge and skills and yet being so humble. Erik Stabenau, Congratulations Gene. Congratulations Gene LeBell! 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. G-E-N-E Capital-L-E-Capital-B-E-L-L. . Ivan "Judo" Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. Gene LeBell was born on October 9, 1932. 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. 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. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Bas Rutten, Gokor Chivichyan, Paul Lazenby and Josh Barnett during a celebration of life for Judo Gene LeBell on what would have been his 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. Mahalo Christopher Chabriel, Congratulations MEAN GENE!!! [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". 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. You have given so much to our community and film business! LeBell was also hired for stunt work with Lee on The Green Hornet.. He is the greatest!! Thank you, Mr. LeBell! At the insistence of friend and martial artist, Ed Parker, Gene LeBell accepted the challenge match and travelled to Utah to fight Beck. Without locking the hold, Seagal side stepped and swung his forearm backwards into his crotch. He was 89. 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. David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. 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. Gene has trained with numerous other world champion martial artists includingChuck Norris,Bill Wallace, andBenny Urquidez.
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