You too? Don't miss a beat. [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. His career bore that out. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North. Love and Respect John C Meier, Gene, I first met you at the Olympic Auditorium many years ago, i cant believe how fast time has past, As a Great stuntman, Actor, Olympian and Teacher being Prolific to this Business you have planted many many seeds in Future Stunt men and stunt women, because of your thoughtful and kind hart this business will be Blessed with talent worthy of calling you Teacher and Friend, Your Long Lost, Brother From Another Mother, and Friend, Love You, Henry Kingi, Uncle GeneI can remember taking your class when I was a young stunt grunt. 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 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. So they said I could make good money in professional wrestling, which I did. 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. LeBell is said to have placed his arms around Seagal's neck, and once Seagal said "go", proceeded to choke him unconscious, with Seagal losing control of his bowels. Judo Gene!!! 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. Something went wrong. "[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. Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! Gary Goltz. His mother, Aileen Eaton, was a promoter at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, where she promoted boxing and wrestling events and raised Gene and his brother Mike all by her lonesome. Best to You Gene !! Gene's funeral will be private for immediate family only. Gene LeBell had thousands of students over the years. An additional stipulation prevented LeBell from attempting tackles or takedowns under the waist. Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG). Working with Gene on many television and films, I learned how to take judo and marital art punches and kicks and fly through the air, crazing through various objects to the ground . 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). Unfortunately, Bruce Lee passed away a few years later in 1973. [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963. In 1994, LeBell counted kickboxing champion Benny Urquidez and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners the Machado brothers among his training partners. They all grew up to be great young men, James is a newspaper writer for various companies, David is a Federal Police Officer and Matthew is an accountant and they all, always talk about the days they train under Gene. It has been alleged that at some point LeBell heard about the claim and gave Seagal the opportunity to prove it. Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts, and we would get together frequently. [31], On August 9, 2022, LeBell died in his sleep.[32][33]. 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. Chuck & Charlotte Waters, Special man and amazing human being, so deserving of this recognition. I am so glad I was there Live to see it ! LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Famous wrestler, Martial artist Ivan Gene LeBell better known as Gene LeBell, passes away at 89. Matt and Craig talk Oscar tactics and more, then later end the show with a prediction about Chris Rocks live comedy special on Netflix, Rachel and Callie also talk all the Bravo news of the week, By submitting your email, you agree to our. Mal, Jo, and Ben get together to talk about where the Mandalorian people are, what adventure awaits Din and Grogu, and much more. He deserves this award.
Gene LeBell chokes out student and he has 'accident' Gene taught my three sons how to take every day life in the training under Gene. 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. LeBell served as the inspiration for Brad Pitt's character in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.. The back and forth match between the boxer and the grappler/judoka was an early precursor to the mixed martial arts battles that millions of fans enjoy today. Brad Curran June 8, 2018 Interviews. 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. Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI . Im honored to know you! 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 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. [7] LeBell took up catch wrestling under Ed "Strangler" Lewis at age 7, and later moved to train in judo. A lot of fighters are broke. Gene LeBell heard about the proclamation and decided to take Seagal up on the challenge. The combatants were initially cautious, with LeBell being the first in pressing the action by attempting to throw Savage down. Love ya, Buddy Joe Hooker, My dear friend Gene. AEW Revolution Preview, and Whats Going on With Brock, Bray, Bobby, and Omos?
Bruce Lee - Wikipedia He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books.
"Judo" Gene LeBell Tribute - YouTube In 1954, at the age of 20, Gene won the National Heavyweight Judo Championshi and the USA Overall Judo championship title. Allen Lopa, Congrats to a legend!! 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. 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.
Beck claimed that a boxer could defeat any martial artist in a straight fight and offered $1000 to anyone who could prove otherwise. 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. Love you brother congratulations! If you want to do a whizzer throw in wrestling, its the same as an uchimata [inner thigh throw] in judo.
Gene LeBell reflects on 50th anniversary of first major American mixed McCarthy, veteran actress Karen Black and legendary wrestling and martial arts teacher famous for Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. Billy Robinson. 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. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! We are all so proud of you, youre a legend. He would also occasionally wrestle in a disguise as The Hangman.
Gene LeBell Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award To round out his education in the martial arts, he also began frequenting the Main Street Gym in Los Angeles, where the West Coast's best boxers gathered. Gene LeBell talks about Bruce Lee. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Former UFC Champion and WWE star Ronda Rousey talks about her friend and mentor Judo Gene LeBell during a celebration of his life on what would have been his 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. 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. Its about time!! if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it. Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. Here's an attempt to share some of those posts and tweets from the cross .
Did Judo Gene Lebell defeat Bruce Lee? If not, would Bruce Lee - Quora Plus, Nadine Smith on the Agendas Behind Wrestling Documentaries. 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. Congratulations, Connie P Conrad Palmisano, Congratulations Uncle Gene for receiving the lifetime award. Aloha, Brian Keaulana, Congratulations Gene! [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. Whats different about the Sixers this year? I was told that all the judo and karate people were not making any money at that time; they were starving, LeBell recalled in that interview. #246C,Beverly, MA 01915,United States. 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. LeBells years of stunt work and fight choreography also introduced grappling to the world of action movies, where it is now commonplace to see fighters turned actors such as Randy Couture and Gina Carano using submission holds in their action sequences. I love you. 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. 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. After his mother remarried, LeBell was raised near L.A.s old Olympic Auditorium. Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. The toughest man alive by Gene LeBell . . Gene LeBell, also known as 'Judo Gene LeBell' is best known for, you guessed it, judo. Gene LeBell Record, Net Worth, Weight, Age & More.
Why Gene LeBell's Life Is Like A Movie - TWM+: Sports, Entertainment 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. [17] Ultimately, nothing came from it. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu.
What Really Happened When Bruce Lee Met Gene LeBell Ian Avabe, You Rock a Master of all well deserved Si PJ Hooper Kelly, Congratulations 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. 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. [14], LeBell has opened two martial art schools in cooperation with others and has touted his 1963 match with Milo Savage as the first televised MMA fight in America.[15][16]. After his competitive career, Gene LeBell and his brother Mike would run the National Wrestling Alliance's Los Angeles region between 1968 and 1982. 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. Eager to claim the $1,000 purseId fight my grandmother for $1,000, but shed have beaten me, LeBell saidthe judoka found himself facing not Beck but Savage, who not only was an accomplished professional boxer but a man with a solid knowledge of wrestling fundamentals. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. [9], Encouraged by Ed Parker,[8] LeBell accepted the challenge and travelled to Salt Lake City to meet Beck. He sparred with James Cagney while shooting Blood on the Sun in 1945, allowing the famous actor to dominate the 20-minute skirmish which garnered rave reviews.
"Judo" Gene LeBelle Passes Away At Age 89 | Rajah.com LeBell also worked on over 1,000 movies and TV shows [1] and authored 12 books.
Gene LeBell Dead: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Was 89 - Deadline Neil Melanson - Wikipedia Please enter a valid email and try again. He is, and always has been, a perfect example of what a professional stuntman should be and continues to teach and hand down his vast knowledge to all young and old who want to learn. Confused by William Beaudines direction, LeBell ended up being chomped by a 700-pound bear named Victor. Well deserved.- Bonnie Happy, Well deserved. In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him to 9th Dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. Blessed if you know him, crazy fun guy. [2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books. After, my arms were trembling with strain, you told me to stop and smiled at me, and said kid, dont quit your day job. It has been an honor to work with you ,and see how much you have done, over the years.
Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner. Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong.
Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 Ivan "Judo" Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler.
Osu J.J. Perry, Gene, Ill never forget the time on set, when you let me try and choke you out. LeBell demonstrated the choke hold by putting it on Seagal. In a fifty year career of high falls and fist fights, Gene LeBell has crashed cars, jumped motorcycles, wrestled bears, incited riots and fought some of the deadliest men in the world. Inside Hall's residence police discovered hours of wire-tapped recordings, some of which led to the resignation of the Beverly Hills police department chief of police. 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. Tim Gilbert, This tribute is well deserved. The only thing I have against MMA is they dont have a retirement plan. Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 A martial artist and judo champion, he taught Bruce Lee, fought in an early mixed martial arts fight and served as an. There he found quick success. (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. For LeBell, one martial art naturally flowed into another; they were already mixing together in his curious mind. A long overdue, but well deserved award.
Gene LeBell, Hollywood Stuntman and Martial Artist, Dies at 89 - Variety Not long after, he began training judo. It will be donated to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Southern California, in honor of LeBell. Gene LeBell's most famous match was his match with boxer/wrestler Milo Savage. Muhammad Ali. He sparred with James Cagney while shooting "Blood on the Sun" in 1945, allowing the famous actor to dominate the 20-minute skirmish which . He had spent time in Japan training at the Kodokan. LeBell established himself as a martial artist long before he moved to Hollywood. Bryan Danielson's LeBell Lock was named after the legendary grappler. !Thanks for the memories!! 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. Despite this long legacy in the worlds of pro wrestling and MMA, LeBell, always chasing the smart money, never hung around too long on the mat in either sport: Theres only 1 in 1,000 MMA fighters who make money, he told Black Belt magazine in 2014. 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. 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. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. 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? I have grown up idolizing many of the SU members over the yearsGenes massive career and list of credits is insane.
Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman, Martial Artist And Bruce Lee's Teacher This is his wish, to do this, and I promised him that Im going to do this on his birthday, and I keep my promise today.. LeBell accompanied Ronda Rousey to the cage for some of her MMA matches in recent years, and served as a MMA judge through 2018. 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 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. Many modern-day MMA fans recognize LeBell as the one who is present in many of Rousey's early games, coaching her on. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. Sammy Horowitz, Congratulations Gene, its about time you were acknowledged for your amazing contribution to the stunt world.
Cheers! It always put a smile on my face when you would call the SAMP office. He was known by many as the "Godfather of Grappling," and influenced fighters around the world. 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. Mr. LeBell died on Aug. 9 at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles. The athletic youngster tested himself with such self-imposed challenges as scaling 60-foot-high lighting stanchions to replace spent bulbs. 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. Afterwards, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling. 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. Influential combat sports icon "Judo" Gene LeBell has died at 89. ", "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. Ronda Rousey, Bryan Danielson, and many more idolized the . Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell's death via Facebook, writing, "You will be greatly missed Gene, You are an inspiration!! Sugar Ray Robinson. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. He went on to win the both the Heavyweight and overall champion title 1955 as well. Humbled to be 1 of many. Karl Gotch. The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference. Since Hayastan MMA Academy first opened its door, it has been one of the top gyms in the world. A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. 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. Ivan Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler. And in February, 2005 Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree black belt in judo by USJJF. Some of his most famous students were, Ronda Rousey, Sugar Ray Robinson,. And Thank You for all those Decals and Patches you sent Charlotte and I each Christmas. LeBell has made himself the nicknames "Judo" Gene LeBell, "The Godfather of Grappling" and also "The Toughest Man Alive" for his . I thought I was the only one. Seems like yesterday, lifes crazy like that, huh? (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. [10], The loss by Savage, the hometown favorite, caused the crowd to react violently. The Ploys and Tactics Behind Oscar Campaigning, A Secret Laundromat Meetup, New Jersey Episode 4, and Potomac Reunion Part 2. 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. 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 . 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. Other recordings discovered had ties to the presidential campaign of Richard Nixon.