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. LeBell judged fights for several decades, but retired from it after Golden Boy Promotions: Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 on November 24, 2018. "[21], When Seagal was asked about the incident, he denied the incident took place, calling LeBell a "sick, pathological scumbag liar" and offered the name of a witness who could discredit the other account. He has trained several notable students including Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey. Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell's death via Facebook, writing, "You will be greatly missed Gene, Gene LeBell's most famous match was his match with boxer/wrestler Milo Savage. Why Gene LeBell's Life Is Like A Movie - TWM+: Sports, Entertainment 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. 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. [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. In 2004, Gene Lebell was promoted to 10th degree black belt in those arts. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. Youre not only a legend to me but a great, great friend. If you saw Quentin Tarantino's . After an illustrious judo career, Gene tried his hand at professional wrestling, and actually won the heavyweight title in Amarillo, Texas. Stunt coordinator Bennie Dobbins begged LeBell to humble Lee, who allegedly beat up on his stuntmen throughout the shows production. We are all so proud of you, youre a legend. Mike Massa, Congratulations Gene!! Where Are They Now: Stuntman Gene LeBell - Variety LeBell came off the floor by a few feet. 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. [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). Mickey Gilbert, Ill never forget working with Gene in Minneapolis for David Ellis. 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. The legendary story of Steven Seagal and 'Judo' Gene Lebell Many modern-day MMA fans recognize LeBell as the one who is present in many of Rousey's early games, coaching her on. Will Bowman, Well deserved! Did Judo Gene Lebell defeat Bruce Lee? If not, would Bruce Lee - Quora 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. He deserves this award. 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. Even more appreciated by those of us choked out by you !!! A video shown at the memorial featured many of his accomplishments from the stunt and martial arts world, evoking smiles, laughter and tears that had many in the crowd wiping their eyes. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Former UFC Champion and WWE star Ronda Rousey talks with Midge LeBell wife of Judo Gene LeBell during a celebration of his life on what would have been Genes 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. Well deserved !!! Still working on the Pro Wrestling Finishing Holds book techniques to this day! 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. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI . On the day of the match, Savage appeared wearing a karategi instead, much tighter and harder to grab. developed adult skills by 13. There is no one alive on this planet that deserves this Life Time Achievement Award more than you. 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. Ivan Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler. He had spent time in Japan training at the Kodokan. May we all continue to learn from you and strive to reach the heights youve reached. Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. Is Golden State a sleeping giant? Some of his vast television credits includeThe Jack Benny Program (1962), The Man from U.N.C.L.E (1965) The Green Hornet (1965), Mission: Impossible (1966), I Spy (1965), The Wild Wild West (1965), Bonanza (1968), Kung Fu (1972), Beretta (1975), Starsky and Hutch (1975), Fantasy Island (1979), The Greatest American Hero (1981), Married with Children (1987), Baywatch (1989), The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992), Walker Texas Ranger (1993), That 70s Show (1998), The X-Files (2000), The Shield (2002), Reno 911 (2003), 24 (2010) and Jimmy Kimmel Live. 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. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman Judo Gene LeBell would have turned 90. According to a 2014 interview in Black Belt, LeBell had no idea the fight would be as significant as later developments in the sport of MMA have made it. Over the course of this six-decade career, LeBell had a hand in training many prominent players in the entertainment, wrestling, and MMA worlds. Roberts, Nobody in the world more respected!! Grand Master Gi Grappling by Gokor Chivichyan. Most of his notoriety came after the release of his biggest film, Enter the Dragon, that same year. You too? [17] Ultimately, nothing came from it. Aloha, Brian Keaulana, Congratulations Gene! Awesome Steve Picerni. Beck claimed that a boxer could defeat any martial artist in a straight fight and offered $1000 to anyone who could prove otherwise. LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts in his 70s. Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. "My name is Gene LeBell. A brief google of you name brings up pages and pages of awesome stories about what youve really accomplished in so many fields. Gene LeBell is currently married to Wendy LeBell whom he married in 1977. Is MJF the Second Coming of CM Punk? Im proud to be a friend of yours for over 50 years. 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. 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! Proud to know you, much love Brent Fletcher, Very proud to have been your student for so many years There is no one prettier than you Sensai You are truly a legend and I can not think of anyone more deserving for this award!!! 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. For LeBell, one martial art naturally flowed into another; they were already mixing together in his curious mind. He taught fighters like Rowdy Roddy Piper, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey how to grapple and regularly trained Bruce Lee. The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference. You have definitely earned it for all your contributions to the industry. David would look at me glassy eyed and say No you dont! To succeed in the NFL, hell need to be an outlier among outliers. ", "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. Seagal has later flatly denied the claim and LeBell has not gone as far to 100% confirm, though his student and long time friend Ronda Rousey has stood up for LeBell's honor in interviews. After winning amateur national competitions in judo, LeBell decided to make the switch to pro wrestling as it offered more lucrative earnings. Neil Melanson is an American submission grappling coach. 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. One thing I learned was never never mess with Gene LeBell. 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. This match could be argued to be the first televised MMA match in history. Ian Avabe, You Rock a Master of all well deserved Si PJ Hooper Kelly, Congratulations Gene. Gene taught my three sons how to take every day life in the training under Gene. Gene LeBell Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award Our aim is to create a shop for BJJ Students who don't look at Jiu-Jitsu as a sport - but a lifestyle. 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. 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. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), Gene started training in judo at a young age, and at the age of 20 in 1954, he won National AAU Heavyweight Judo Championship and the USA Overall Judo Championship title. Remembering Gene LeBell - The Ringer For 89 years, few did that work better than Judo Gene LeBell. Instead of being hit first, it was LeBell who would put Bruce Lee in a headlock and carry him around the set. The grappling club master . Allen Lopa, Congrats to a legend!! He was 89. Mr. LeBell died on Aug. 9 at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles. He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. Confidential (1997) Batman & Robin (1997), Rush Hour (1998), The Man on the Moon (1999) Men in Black II (2002), Spiderman 2 (2004), Starsky & Hutch (2004), Over his career, LeBell was bludgeoned, shot, run over, karate-chopped (he became friends with Bruce Lee) and drowned for $2,000 per week earning more than most lawyers during those days. LeBells roots in combat sports ran deep. Brandon Recor, Congratulations!!! [8], After returning to the United States, LeBell competed as a heavyweight. Rick Seaman, Well Geno, they said it couldnt be done but youve done it again. [27] He also did interviews for magazines, newspapers, and radio. Gene LeBell - IMDb With a background in judo and jiu-jitsu, LeBell was the mastermind behind some of the greatest fighters in the world. Bob Debbie Hennessey, Congrats Gene. This scene is loosely based on world class Judoka Gene LeBell . 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. There he found quick success. We couldnt prouder. He believed in me which made me believe in myself. Influential combat sports icon "Judo" Gene LeBell has died at 89. Craig Frosty Silva, Gene LeBell What can anybody tell you about Gene LeBell? Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts, and we would get together frequently. Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 Big hug and a kiss! He was known by many as the "Godfather of Grappling," and influenced fighters around the world. Congratulations very well deserved! 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! (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. Mal, Jo, and Ben get together to talk about where the Mandalorian people are, what adventure awaits Din and Grogu, and much more. 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. Humbled to be 1 of many. 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 . This 1982 homevideo production, introduced by Chuck Norris and narrated by John Saxon, featured LeBell as a car thief and mugger who (in the prologue) accosts Mitsuru Yamashita and Budojujitsu creator Al Thomasmuch to LeBell's regret. His second best fight was probably his back and forth battle with 80's and 90's martial arts action star Steven Seagal. AEW, Triple H & WWE acknowledged LeBell's influence. Gene LeBell would become involved in a challenge match proposed by boxer and writer Jim Beck to all practitioners of Japanese martial arts. Could James Harden Potentially Return to Houston After the Season? 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. Congratulations Uncle Gene! It must be said at this stage that . David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! While men like Wagner and later Freddie Blassie and Dick the Destroyer Beyer would headline Eatons wrestling cards, the young LeBellbereft of a father figurestarted at the very bottom, learning the ropes in the hardest away imaginable, twisted into pretzels by grapplers like the aging Evan Strangler Lewis, from whom LeBell asked to learn the Stranglers signature headlock when LeBell was the tender age of 7. I have grown up idolizing many of the SU members over the yearsGenes massive career and list of credits is insane. As wellback in the day..i drove out to ride motos with Gene & some friends at his area in Frazier Park. 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. 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. "My . Im honored to know you! "I learned the [LeBell Lock] from a guy named Neil Melanson," Danielson told the WWE website in 2010. Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. 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. It was agreed that the match would last five 3 three minute rounds. Along with the awards received for feats in judo and grappling, LeBell was the 2005 recipient of the Frank Gotch Award in celebration of the positive recognition he brought to the sport of wrestling. An agreement was reached for the match to last five rounds, each lasting three minutes. 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. Gary Goltz. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . Judo Gene LeBell has died at age 89 - Cageside Seats According to Lambert, Seagal explained to LeBell that he did not believe his choke hold was effective, and that he could escape from it. LeBell, Gene [WorldCat Identities] Scott Wilder, Thank you Sensei for paving the way for martial artists in this biz! All my love and respect Matt Taylor, Aloha Uncle Gene, Mahalo for sharing your secret Hawaiian Hug mahalo for all your knowledge & advice that youve given. [8], In 1963, LeBell became involved with a challenge by boxer and writer Jim Beck to the practitioners of Japanese martial arts. Weve worked together for over (50) years and its been (50) years of pure delight. Well done sir! 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. Michael Hughes, Thank you for being such an influence and inspiration to MANY! Bruce Lee - Wikipedia They knew each other and worked together on the Green Hornet. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. When I first came to town in 1987, I remember trying to get my hands on one those Stunt Rate breakdown cards you used to make. So may you rest in power, Gene.. Judo Gene LeBell was famous for his catch wrestling technique that later became an influence in both pro wrestling and mixed martial arts. 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.. He popularized grappling in pro-fighting circles and had a famous run-in with Steven Seagal. Martial arts legend 'Judo' Gene LeBell dies at 89 - MMA Fighting LeBell was 89 years old. God Bless you Gene and your lovely wife and thanks you for all the things you taught me. LeBell would win the match osaekomi where the practitioner pins the opponent for a specified amount of time earning the victory. Anil Rai, Congratulations Mr. Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. Joseph Davis, Gene is truly a genuine Good person and a great friend. Theres way too much to say to even begin to scratch the surface of the career and life Gene lived, wrote the Stuntmans Association of Motion Pictures in a statement to Variety. Hey Gene which way to the Beach? "LeBell parlayed his pain-inducing skills into careers in martial arts, professional wrestling and Hollywood stunt work, making him the ultimate a**-kicking Renaissance man. Plus, does starting Tyrese Maxey versus DeAnthony Melton make a difference on the defensive end? Video: Gene LeBell in boxing vs. judo fight in 1963 Seagal, a towering man who had a background in the Japanese martial art of aikido, has long battled with stunt choreographers and fight trainers on setin Shooters, Jonathan Snowden quotes Pride announcer Stephen Quadross story of engaging in an uncomfortable series of wristlock exchanges with Seagal on the set of the 2001 film Exit Woundsbut by most accounts (and there are many), his encounter with LeBell went poorly.
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