Judo Gene LeBell was famous for his catch wrestling technique that later became an influence in both pro wrestling and mixed martial arts. Gene is survived by his wife Midge, his children Monica and David; stepchildren Danny and Stacey; and grandchildren Daniel, Tyler and Nicholas. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. Bruce Lee Scene in Once Upon A Time in Hollywood Was Inspired By Gene Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. You too? Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell's death via Facebook, writing, "You will be greatly missed Gene, He was acquitted of the murder charge but convicted as an accessory for driving the convicted murderer, pornographer Jack Ginsburgs, to and from the murder scene. 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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. A half-century ago, Pink Floyd unleashed a classic that still lingers on the Billboard charts and in college dorms to this day. His students in those fields included Roddy Piper, Ronda Rousey, and many others. LeBell passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, just two months shy of being a nonagenarian. 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.. Congratulations very well deserved! LeBell served as the inspiration for Brad Pitt's character in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.. 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 . Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars. Please enter a valid email and try again. Its about time!! You deserve every bit of it! Along with many others, speakers included Ronda Rousey, former UFC champion, WWE professional wrestler, actress and Olympic Judo medalist; Bas Rutten, former UFC Heavyweight Champion and a three-time King of Pancrase world champion; catch wrestler, former UFC Heavyweight Champion, former Openweight King of Pancrase world champion, and Bellator fighter; and AnnMaria De Mars, first American to win a gold medal at the World Judo Championships. "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. We cant have blood! Gaffer tape stanched the bleeding, and LeBell managed six more takes. LeBell judged fights for several decades, but retired from it after Golden Boy Promotions: Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 on November 24, 2018. LeBell came off the floor by a few feet. On the day of the match, Savage appeared wearing a karategi instead, much tighter and harder to grab. Congratulations & we all love you. Is MJF the Second Coming of CM Punk? Gene LeBell died in his sleep on August 9 th 22, at age 89, two months to the day shy of his 90 th birthday. 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 was 89. Former stuntman, wrestling promoter Gene LeBell dead at 89 God bless. 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. Gene LeBell Had A Hilarious Response To That Famous Steven - Looper 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. Here's What Really Happened When Bruce Lee Fought A - TheThings After his mother remarried, LeBell was raised near L.A.s old Olympic Auditorium. LeBell later mentored world-class athletes and silver screen legends. 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. I was driving a weenie mobile and Gene was driving a truck and they wanted a near miss, so we did the take and they said we werent close enough we showed em the paint scraped off the sides of the cars and they said, Okay, I guess youre right. I get his patches every year, got em all right here. UFC 285 Preview: Can Jon Jones Turn Back the Clock? 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. Bruce Lee - Wikipedia LeBells roots in combat sports ran deep. LeBell was the third man inside the ring of one of the most famous matches in Japanese history and one that had worldwide attention. LeBell was 89 years old. The boxer's side demanded a stipulation in which the smaller and older Savage (Savage was 39 while LeBell was 31 at the date of the fight) could use any type of punch, while the judoka could not kick, in the apparent belief LeBell was a karateka. [7][8] In return, Savage offered to wear a judogi. 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. 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. Why Gene LeBell's Life Is Like A Movie - TWM+: Sports, Entertainment It has been an honor to work with you ,and see how much you have done, over the years. One day in. 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 - Age, Bio, Faces and Birthday He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. The grappling club master . Mike Massa, Congratulations Gene!! Mike Bohn. Judo Gene!!! Heavyweight and Overall Judo Championships in 1954, and again in 1955 - long before Judo became an Olympic sport and was broadly appreciated in the western world. The Alabama passer is one of the smallest QB prospects to be pegged as a first-round pick. Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree in jujitsu and taihojutsu in 2000 by the United States Ju-Jitsu (USJJF) Ju Jitsu Federation. 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. He is currently 89 years old. [7] Despite his pedigree, he did not get over immediately with audiences but gradually became known for his martial arts background. Norman Howell, Congratulations Gene LeBell an incredible Honor an so well deserved. LeBell was 89 years old. To quote C.S. 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. 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. ( Aubrey Sitterson, rondarousey.com, 2018). Erik Stabenau, Congratulations Gene. [5], LeBell has been reported as the inspiration for the character of Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Some of his most famous students were, Ronda Rousey, Sugar Ray Robinson,. He worked in. The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI . Little Mo and Lou, Uncle Gene has been a trusted mentor, ardent Sensei and dear friend to me and countless other stunt people throughout the years. The Ploys and Tactics Behind Oscar Campaigning, A Secret Laundromat Meetup, New Jersey Episode 4, and Potomac Reunion Part 2. [2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books. Mr. LeBell died on Aug. 9 at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles. Gene LeBell was born on October 9, 1932. Cheers! I wont say rest easy because we just dont see that happening with Gene. Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts, and we would get together frequently. Gene LeBell Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award For a time, he took on a role as "policeman" for the organization, helping to maintain order. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), The remarkable Judo Gene LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts well into his 80s. Way to go Uncle Gene!!! 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. His second best fight was probably his back and forth battle with 80's and 90's martial arts action star Steven Seagal. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. Judo is wrestling with handles, he told Black Belt magazine in 1994. All the best! Ya big goofball!!! 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. More embellished versions include details about Seagal defecating himself. With a background in judo and jiu-jitsu, LeBell was the mastermind behind some of the greatest fighters in the world. Plus, does starting Tyrese Maxey versus DeAnthony Melton make a difference on the defensive end? Stunt coordinator Bennie Dobbins begged LeBell to humble Lee, who allegedly beat up on his stuntmen throughout the shows production. His first match would be against the highly ranked judoka John Osako. LeBell, Gene [WorldCat Identities] From TV shows like Mission: Impossible, Batman, and Reno 911! to movies including, The Towering Inferno, RoboCop, Total Recall and Independence Day, LeBell was a go-to stunt coordinator for decades. The award couldnt be given to a better or greater person, that trained many motion pictures stuntmen in and out of the motion picture Industry. 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. Answer (1 of 12): Well It seems to be a bit of a controversy about this. With respect, Missy OMalley-Reynolds, Uncle Gene, Thanks for never burning our house down. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, especially us. In Loving Memory of Judo Gene LeBell, 1932-2022 (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018). Sugar Ray Robinson. 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. Gene was an actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions for over fifty years with more than 150 acting credits and 250 stunt credits. Ill toast you from Texas! Hamstrung by rules barring takedowns, strikes on the ground, and submission holds, the fight devolved into a tedious 15-round affair in which Ali taunted and showboated while Inoki crab-walked along the mat, kicking Alis legs. Born in Los Angeles in 1932, LeBell was shipped off to a military. 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. Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 [27] He also did interviews for magazines, newspapers, and radio. You have definitely earned it for all your contributions to the industry. Ivan Judo Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. 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. He is the author of 12 martial arts books. 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. He is the greatest!! Gene LeBell, Hollywood Stuntman and Martial Artist, Dies at 89 - Variety 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. 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 . He would also occasionally wrestle in a disguise as The Hangman. He has trained several notable students including Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey. Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner. Congrats my friend and God Bless. Jimmy Halty, Congratulations Gene. He was also a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge, including judging UFC 74 (Randy Couture vs. Gabriel Gonzaga) and his website judogene.com is visited by martial arts and film fans all over the globe. Congrats to the amazing living legend John Stoneham, Jr. Congratulations Gene, you know I love you, and Im so very very proud of you. Since Hayastan MMA Academy first opened its door, it has been one of the top gyms in 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. Heffay Cadiente, Big congrats Uncle Gene! "[24], Seagal bodyguard and stuntman Steven Lambert, stated he was present and said that a confrontation did happen. 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. The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference. With love and affection, Sandy Gimpel, Congrats on your big nite!! Humbled to be 1 of many. Beck claimed that a boxer could defeat any martial artist in a straight fight and offered $1000 to anyone who could prove otherwise. Scott Wilder, Thank you Sensei for paving the way for martial artists in this biz! All my love and respect Pat Romano, Ya ya Uncle Gene , to one of the Gilberts favorite people . He eventually adopted the role as "policeman" for the promotion, maintaining law and order, especially during matches involving his brother Mike LeBell. Many modern-day MMA fans recognize LeBell as the one who is present in many of Rousey's early games, coaching her on. 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. [citation needed] In addition he also worked on the set of the Green Hornet TV show, in which he developed a friendship with Bruce Lee. "Judo" Gene LeBell the "Godfather of Grappling" was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywood's busiest stuntmen. Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 LeBell demonstrated the choke hold by putting it on Seagal. (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. I have ridden on the back of his bike for one of his marathon wheelies.Pine Mtn Club so much fun. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North. Wrestlers & MMA stars pay tribute to Gene LeBell. Mike Smith, Congratulations on this most deserving award for a really great guy. Who's The Real "Father Of MMA"? 10 Fighters More Deserving Of The Its great having such a role model to look up to. Andy Gill, Congratulations Gene !!! Are the Lakers dead? Savanah Dawn Lilley, The one and only Uncle Gene! A industry standard, and great human being! I love you Gene and I am very proud of your accomplishments in our business. Well deserved.- Bonnie Happy, Well deserved. Gene LeBell | Profile with News, Stats, Age & Height - Sports Pundit judo. Gene LeBell had thousands of students over the years. Im proud to be a friend of yours for over 50 years. LeBell has worked on over 1000 TV Show and Film projects. Gene LeBell chokes out student and he has 'accident' Few will live a life as extraordinary as Gene LeBell has. It hurt. You have been a legend for over 60 years and Im honored each month that I get to see you!!!! He is currently the head grappling coach at Jaco Hybrid Training Center.He is the former head grappling coach at both . Wear this Award well my friend. (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. What Really Happened When Bruce Lee Met Gene LeBell He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. 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.. 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. A lot of fighters are broke. LeBell was selected from over 200 other applicants to referee the bout. "My name is Gene LeBell. For most of Eatons time in the business, she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, possibly even the world. 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 earning these titles, LeBell made the transition to professional wrestling because of the promise of better earnings in the sport. Ed Lewis. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic both had 40-point games after the Sixers loss against the Mavs. Steven Seagal was a highly trained aikido expert and because of this, he would proclaim to the world that he was immune to choking. LeBell's longtime friend Bas Rutten first revealed the news on Facebook. Gene LeBell was chosen for the match out of over 200 candidates. 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. Weve worked together for over (50) years and its been (50) years of pure delight. Chuck & Charlotte Waters, Special man and amazing human being, so deserving of this recognition. As wellback in the day..i drove out to ride motos with Gene & some friends at his area in Frazier Park. Wrestling, MMA, movie worlds pay tribute to Judo Gene LeBell He began training catch wrestling at age 7 with Ed "The Strangler" Lewis. Gene LeBell Dead: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Was 89 - Deadline According to Lambert, Seagal explained to LeBell that he did not believe his choke hold was effective, and that he could escape from it. After his competitive career, Gene LeBell and his brother Mike would run the National Wrestling Alliance's Los Angeles region between 1968 and 1982. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman Judo Gene LeBell would have turned 90. There he found quick success. A student of catch wrestling titans Lou Thesz, Karl Gotch, and Ed "Strangler" Lewis, LeBell's notable students include Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Ronda Rousey. The athletic youngster tested himself with such self-imposed challenges as scaling 60-foot-high lighting stanchions to replace spent bulbs. UFC news: 'Judo' Gene LeBell dead at 89; MMA community mourns [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963. Judo Gene LeBell has died at age 89 - Cageside Seats Lee was especially interested in exploring grappling with help from him and exchanged ideas[19] on various fighting techniques. Still working on the Pro Wrestling Finishing Holds book techniques to this day! 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!!! 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. OSU! In February 2005, the USJJF made him 9th dan in judo. He deserves this award. 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. There has also been rumors that the unconscious Seagal may have soiled himself. 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. Ill never forget that moment, congratulations brother. 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. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman "Judo" Gene LeBell would have turned 90. 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. LeBell has made himself the nicknames "Judo" Gene LeBell, "The Godfather of Grappling" and also "The Toughest Man Alive" for his . Don't miss a beat. In the martial arts, he captured the National A.A.U. I made very good money, and it led me into a career in stunt work..
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