Grand Master Gi Grappling by Gokor Chivichyan. If you want to do a whizzer throw in wrestling, its the same as an uchimata [inner thigh throw] in judo. Confused by William Beaudines direction, LeBell ended up being chomped by a 700-pound bear named Victor. The Alabama passer is one of the smallest QB prospects to be pegged as a first-round pick. So they said I could make good money in professional wrestling, which I did. Joseph Davis, Gene is truly a genuine Good person and a great friend. Stuntman Gene LeBell might not have been around since Hollywood's first fist fight, but his skill has transformed the genre. Gene LeBell, 89, Judo Champion, Wrestler and Star Stuntman, Dies 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. David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! Gene LeBell was born on October 9, 1932. Cheers! Stunt coordinator Bennie Dobbins begged LeBell to humble Lee, who allegedly beat up on his stuntmen throughout the shows production. Ya big goofball!!! Hans Gutknecht has been a photojournalist at the Los Angeles Daily News since 1992. RIP Gene LeBell - Part II - Black Belt Magazine The two became close friends, but the actors untimely death stymied LeBells chance for future speaking parts. Those are just some of the names that Gene LeBell has trained with, not to mention the countless other celebrities and luminaries hes worked alongside during his decades-long careers as a pioneering mixed martial artist, a professional wrestler, and a stuntman. He is currently 89 years old. Well deserved.- Bonnie Happy, Well deserved. 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. But whats the legacy of the blockbuster album? It has been an honor to work with you ,and see how much you have done, over the years. Gene LeBell - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "Judo" Gene LeBell | The Godfather of Grappling judo. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Famous wrestler, Martial artist Ivan Gene LeBell better known as Gene LeBell, passes away at 89. His very first match was against John Osako, one of the highest ranked judokas at the national level. People called him the Toughest Man Alive. After, my arms were trembling with strain, you told me to stop and smiled at me, and said kid, dont quit your day job. Gene LeBell Dies: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Who Fought Bruce Hardcover - January 1, 2004. If you saw Quentin Tarantino's . And in February, 2005 Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree black belt in judo by USJJF. LeBell was 89 years old. 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. Alan Oliney, Hey Gene, Thanks for being a four-star mentor to so many and thanks for being Gene Lebell. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman "Judo" Gene LeBell would have turned 90. He went on to win the both the Heavyweight and overall champion title 1955 as well. Stoked I get to make it this year. He is loved by so many and admired by countless others. Melanson specializes in catch wrestling, while drawing elements from judo, and focuses his coaching specifically on grappling in mixed martial arts.He is especially known for his guard work, leg locks and triangle chokes. J.N. 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. We love him! Wear this Award well my friend. The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. Wrestlers & MMA stars pay tribute to Gene LeBell. And later on, there is discussion of whether or not double-dipping is an acceptable way to eat! There has also been rumors that the unconscious Seagal may have soiled himself. It has been alleged that at some point LeBell heard about the claim and gave Seagal the opportunity to prove it. 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. In the stunt world, I get a pretty doggone good retirement from SAG and AFTRAand I can still work.. 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. Whats different about the Sixers this year? I have grown up idolizing many of the SU members over the yearsGenes massive career and list of credits is insane. Your positivity and generosity knows no limit. He also had 8 grandchildren. 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. 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. 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. 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. LeBell was the third man inside the ring of one of the most famous matches in Japanese history and one that had worldwide attention. Many modern-day MMA fans recognize LeBell as the one who is present in many of Rousey's early games, coaching her on. 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. With respect, Missy OMalley-Reynolds, Uncle Gene, Thanks for never burning our house down. [7] According to fellow BJJ artist Royce Gracie, LeBell was invited to compete in Ultimate Fighting Championship in early 1995, after Gracie stopped participating in its tournaments. Whats legacy, anyway? Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree in jujitsu and taihojutsu in 2000 by the United States Ju-Jitsu (USJJF) Ju Jitsu Federation. However, Gene LeBell was a 10th degree judo black belt and one of the toughest men on the planet, so the director knew this wouldn't happen to him. (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 taught my three sons how to take every day life in the training under Gene. "My . Beck engaged in abundant trash-talk, but revealed a very limited knowledge of martial arts, seemingly mistaking judo for karate. 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. Christian Fletcher, Congratulations Gene! Judo Gene LeBell was famous for his catch wrestling technique that later became an influence in both pro wrestling and mixed martial arts. A long overdue, but well deserved award. LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts in his 70s. 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 . 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. [7] In 1954 and 1955, while only 22 years of age, he captured both the heavyweight and overall Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships. The seeds that Gene LeBell helped plant have grown into the modern landscape of mixed martial arts that we know today. Its an honor to be your student and friend. His first match would be against the highly ranked judoka John Osako. The athletic youngster tested himself with such self-imposed challenges as scaling 60-foot-high lighting stanchions to replace spent bulbs. 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. In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him to 9th Dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. Gene LeBell Passes Away At Age 89 - Ringside News The Life & Legend of "Judo" Gene LeBell - POST Wrestling Scott Wilder, Thank you Sensei for paving the way for martial artists in this biz! One day in. 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. Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. I love you Gene and I am very proud of your accomplishments in our business. The program featured several other martial artists including Graciela Casilas, Karen Sheperd, Victor Ledbetter, Steve Sanders, brothers Benny and Reuben Urquidez, and Dave Vaden. Ross Clay, Gene is the most unselfish and most giving person I know. Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. Love, Greg & Barbie Barnett, Youve been my hero my entire career. Known by many as "the Godfather of Grappling", LeBell helped make the grappling arts like Judo, Wrestling, and Jiu Jitsu popular in professional fighting circles. I had a 2-stroke so i had to unload at an area specifiedthe 4-strokes rode the streets to the mountains and riding area.As i was driving my bike in my pick-up.Gene passed me standing on the seat of his XR doin a wheelieGene is an Amazing man.Open arms.. to a choke-out! Our aim is to create a shop for BJJ Students who don't look at Jiu-Jitsu as a sport - but a lifestyle. LeBell's students included AnnMaria De Mars, the first American to ever win a gold medal at the World Judo Championships in 1984, and De Mars' daughter, Ronda Rousey, who became the first. Interview with Gene LeBell - Kung-fu Kingdom LeBells career wasnt without controversy of its own, thoughnot long after refereeing the Ali-Inoki fight in 1976, he was arrested for his role in the murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall, whose residence contained hours of phone recordings connected to powerful local figures and even the 1972 presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. LeBell even awarded Piper a legitimate Black Belt in Judo . LeBell was never a main-event star in wrestling and by even the most generous assessment wasnt exactly a crowd-pleaser in the ring. 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. Legend Gene LeBell's Life Is Set To Be Made Into A Book And Film His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. Sugar Ray Robinson. Gene LeBell Record, Net Worth, Weight, Age & More. Congratulations Uncle Gene! It is alleged that as soon as LeBell placed his arms around Seagal's neck and Seagal said "go" that LeBell choked him unconscious. Mike Bohn. Still, he continued to get regular stunt work on TV. For LeBell, one martial art naturally flowed into another; they were already mixing together in his curious mind. 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. Gary Goltz. 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.. Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. Martial arts legend 'Judo' Gene LeBell dies at 89 - MMA Fighting Gene LeBell - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia In December 1939, his parents went to Chinatown, San Francisco in California for an international opera tour. 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. He taught me how to fight, taught me how to ride. LeBell served as the referee for the exhibition match between world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki on June 26, 1976, at . 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. His career bore that out. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. The pink gi was inspired by a trip LeBell took to Japan where a pair of his red socks or shorts made their way into the laundry, turning his white uniform to pink. As soon as he landed, LeBell used a foot sweep to sweep Seagal off the floor, with Seagal landing on his back. Jimmy Roberts, Gene youve always told me Im the best but your THE GREATEST Love ya, Manny Perry, I owe everything to Gene. Im honored to know you! Challenge coins, decorated with an image of LeBell, were sold for donations, which raised more than $2,000. 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. In addition to spending extensive time in the world of . Not long after, he began training judo. It hurt. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. LeBell, Gene [WorldCat Identities] 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. [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. After an illustrious judo career, Gene tried his hand at professional wrestling, and actually won the heavyweight title in Amarillo, Texas. LeBells top student, Gokor Chivichyan, hosted the event at his martial arts academy to celebrate the life of his mentor and close friend. Osu J.J. Perry, Gene, Ill never forget the time on set, when you let me try and choke you out. You truly are a one-off, a living legend. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic both had 40-point games after the Sixers loss against the Mavs. Afterwards, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling. 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. Gene LeBell had thousands of students over the years. Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars. When he arrived, Gene LeBell learned that he would not be fighting Beck, but instead a much more well-known boxer in Milo Savage. Gene LeBell | Profile with News, Stats, Age & Height - Sports Pundit 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. Heffay Cadiente, Big congrats Uncle Gene! 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. Even more appreciated by those of us choked out by you !!! Gene's funeral will be private for immediate family only. If I could get my arms around you I would hug you. 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 damage inflicted definitely favored Inoki, who battered Alis legs sufficiently that the Greatest struggled with his mobility in a fight against Ken Norton later that year, but LeBellwho had Inoki slightly ahead on his own scorecard, per the account in journalist Josh Grosss book Ali vs. Inoki: The Forgotten Fight That Inspired Mixed Martial Arts and Launched Sports Entertainmentchose to deduct points for an illegal groin strike, thus affording Ali a split-decision draw that showcased how dull MMA could get without the appropriate rules in place.