He would also occasionally wrestle in a disguise as The Hangman. Anil Rai, Congratulations Mr. As a lifelong student of what we have come to call combat sports, still living and teaching at age 87, LeBell has become one of the world's experts. Congratulations Uncle Gene! Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. UFC news: 'Judo' Gene LeBell dead at 89; MMA community mourns In 2004, Gene Lebell was promoted to 10th degree black belt in those arts. Ronda Rousey, Bryan Danielson, and many more idolized the . [26], The pink colored judo gi became a trademark of LeBell and was a result of a laundry mixup while preparing for a competition in Japan. Ron DeSantis presidential prospects, Taft football coach Jeff Kearin steps down in support of school faculty member, Baram and Tioumentsev win World Junior title hours after their coach, Todd Sand, suffers heart attack, Snow collapses roof of Goodwin and Sons, Crestlines only grocery store, Gracie Abrams behind Good Riddance message in Los Angeles sky, Tax filing deadline moves to mid-October for most Californians, Alpine Village shopkeepers get confirmation: theyre being evicted, Ex-sheriffs deputy gets 100 hours of community service for shooting hoax, $31 million goes to San Fernando Valley light-rail line and to engage community, Who will replace ex-LA councilmember Nury Martinez? A true legend with a legacy of amazing stunt history. (Gene LeBell Biography). LeBell judged fights for several decades, but retired from it after Golden Boy Promotions: Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 on November 24, 2018. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. 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. Gene LeBell was chosen for the match out of over 200 candidates. Gene LeBell would ultimately choke his opponent unconscious after a tentative start to the match. The Toughest Man Alive: Gene LeBell: 9780953176670: Amazon.com: Books So to be a martial artist of his degree in the art of Judo is incredible; to be a pro wrestler of that level, incredible; but then to go into stunts and the motorcycle riding and the acting and everything else. Beck claimed that a boxer could defeat any martial artist in a straight fight and offered $1000 to anyone who could prove otherwise. [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. 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. 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. God bless. 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.. It was a fascinating collection of people mourning too, from the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts, acting, and beyond. wrote the Stuntmans Association of Motion Pictures in a statement to Variety, whose portrayal of an overconfident Lee by actor Mike Moh in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood spurred backlash. Chuck Norris. Gene LeBell - Biography - IMDb [13] He also continued to work in professional wrestling intermittently, wrestling his final match on August 29, 1981, against Peter Maivia for NWA Hollywood Wrestling. Previously, he was married to Eleanor Martindale between 1975 and 1976, Eileen Murillo (1960), Olga Allen between 1957 until 1959, and Midge LeBell before that. To this day you are still teaching and sharing your wealth of knowledge with the next generation! You have definitely earned it for all your contributions to the industry. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG). He has trained several notable students including Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey. It goes to a great man of strength, integrity and honor. He subsequently dominated auditions for the role of Mr. Kryptonite in the Superman TV series, which ran from 1952 to 1958; actor George Reeves, who played the Man of Steel, hired him on the spot after seeing his high-flying judo rolls and flips. What are you doing? LeBell remembers the helmer lamenting. [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. 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! Present-day UFC fans probably best remember him from his time spent wielding a stopwatch in the corner of his protege, Ronda Rousey, while wrestling fans might know his name from when Daniel Bryan used to call his finisher the LeBell Lock. But despite that, the MMA pioneer isnt a household name, which is a shame, because if youre a fan of combat sports, he absolutely should be. Even more appreciated by those of us choked out by you !!! LeBell was also a judo and grappling prodigy. 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. [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963. G-E-N-E Capital-L-E-Capital-B-E-L-L. . LeBell even awarded Piper a legitimate Black Belt in Judo . In one scene, Brad Pitt plays a stuntman (Cliff Booth) and beats up Bruce Lee on the set of The Green Hornet in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The fun motorcycle rides we used to go on out at the Pig Farm and at your mountain house. Gene LeBell would become involved in a challenge match proposed by boxer and writer Jim Beck to all practitioners of Japanese martial arts. The Legendary Gene LeBell Passes Away at 89 - Wrestling Headlines He had spent time in Japan training at the Kodokan. Gene LeBell reflects on 50th anniversary of first major American mixed [7], LeBell was requested to confirm the story publicly in an interview with Ariel Helwani in 2012, but he avoided answering the question, albeit implying that the incident was true. 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. Steve Boyum, Absolutely couldnt go to a better candidate. 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. Gene LeBell | Profile with News, Stats, Age & Height - Sports Pundit Mike Smith, Congratulations on this most deserving award for a really great guy. 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. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North. The athletic youngster tested himself with such self-imposed challenges as scaling 60-foot-high lighting stanchions to replace spent bulbs. "[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. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman Judo Gene LeBell would have turned 90. 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. 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. After, my arms were trembling with strain, you told me to stop and smiled at me, and said kid, dont quit your day job. Congrats Rick Avery, Congratulations Uncle Gene! Interview with Gene LeBell - Kung-fu Kingdom Since Hayastan MMA Academy first opened its door, it has been one of the top gyms in the world. The tributes for "Judo" Gene LeBell, who died on August 9, 2022, at age 89, poured in after news of his passing starting circulating. And later on, there is discussion of whether or not double-dipping is an acceptable way to eat! [2] He was born in Los Angeles. LeBell would win the match osaekomi where the practitioner pins the opponent for a specified amount of time earning the victory. Weve worked together for over (50) years and its been (50) years of pure delight. 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. Gene LeBell talks about Bruce Lee. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, especially us. "I learned the [LeBell Lock] from a guy named Neil Melanson," Danielson told the WWE website in 2010. 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. thank you so much for all the encouragement over all these decades . 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. LeBell was 89 years old. [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]. J.N. Gene LeBell was a man who lived a full and adventurous life. We ask all these burning questions, and more! One thing I learned was never never mess with Gene LeBell. Its an honor to be your student and friend. He was a man that no endeavor was too tall for him to accomplish, Josh Barnett said of LeBell. Stunt coordinator Bennie Dobbins begged LeBell to humble Lee, who allegedly beat up on his stuntmen throughout the shows production. Gene was an actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions for over fifty years with more than 150 acting credits and 250 stunt credits. "Judo" Gene LeBell Tribute - YouTube Gene LeBell, 89, Judo Champion, Wrestler and Star Stuntman, Dies 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. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. Oops. The Toughest Man Alive. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman "Judo" Gene LeBell would have turned 90. It hurt. Other recordings discovered had ties to the presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree in jujitsu and taihojutsu in 2000 by the United States Ju-Jitsu (USJJF) Ju Jitsu Federation. Gene LeBell - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. Influential combat sports icon "Judo" Gene LeBell has died at 89. Thank you for all you have done for those of us blessed to learn from you. Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . There is no one alive on this planet that deserves this Life Time Achievement Award more than you. Its about time!! 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. Black Belt EXCLUSIVE. You truly are a one-off, a living legend. 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. 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. You are a true living legend. The toughest man alive by Gene LeBell . Christian Fletcher, Congratulations Gene! 'The Godfather of Grappling' evolved to be a popular figure in the martial arts world after he extended to various other forms of sports, including judo and mixed martial arts. Still, he continued to get regular stunt work on TV. Stoked I get to make it this year. Former stuntman, wrestling promoter Gene LeBell dead at 89 The program featured several other martial artists including Graciela Casilas, Karen Sheperd, Victor Ledbetter, Steve Sanders, brothers Benny and Reuben Urquidez, and Dave Vaden. He taught fighters like Rowdy Roddy Piper, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey how to grapple and regularly trained Bruce Lee. [2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books. For a time, he took on a role as "policeman" for the organization, helping to maintain order. Allen Lopa, Congrats to a legend!! LeBell demonstrated the choke hold by putting it on Seagal. LeBell served as the inspiration for Brad Pitt's character in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.. Roddy Piper. Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner. It is alleged that as soon as LeBell placed his arms around Seagal's neck and Seagal said "go" that LeBell choked him unconscious. LeBells top student, Gokor Chivichyan, hosted the event at his martial arts academy to celebrate the life of his mentor and close friend. He is the greatest!! Bruce Lee Scene in Once Upon A Time in Hollywood Was Inspired By Gene Bruce Lee. OSU! [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. Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. Legendary MMA Trainer Gene LeBell Has Passed Away At 89 The late 'Judo' Gene LeBell's 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 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. How Do We Solve This Crisis? 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. A lot of fighters are broke. 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. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), A fight scene on the sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet earned LeBell his SAG card. In his book Shooters: The Toughest Men in Professional Wrestling, long-time MMA journalist Jonathan Snowden described LeBell as a horrible professional wrestler from a technical perspective, a tough guy who looked soft in the ring and remained stuck on the undercard of his brother Mike LeBells wrestling events, wrestling under his own name or beneath a mask as the Hangman. He did claim to have won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1960 from Pat OConnor in a match in Dory Funks Amarillo, Texas, territory, repeating this assertion to both Black Belt and Sports Illustrated, but the victory was almost certainly part of a wrestling story line, with LeBell accidentally striking the Texas wrestling commissioner with the belt and forcing its immediate return to OConnor. He has fought, trained and performed with a dizzying array of some of the most prolific athletes and actors in the world. There has also been rumors that the unconscious Seagal may have soiled himself. Gene LeBell Record, Net Worth, Weight, Age & More! [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). While working at the stunt coordinator for Seagal's film Out for Justice, the two of them met to test Seagal's statement. Judo Gene!!! Stuntman Gene LeBell might not have been around since Hollywood's first fist fight, but his skill has transformed the genre. Congratulations my brother!!! People called him the Toughest Man Alive. Grand Master Leg Locks by Gokor Chivichyan.