There is no one alive on this planet that deserves this Life Time Achievement Award more than you. A long overdue, but well deserved award. Alan Oliney, Hey Gene, Thanks for being a four-star mentor to so many and thanks for being Gene Lebell. RIP Gene LeBell - Part II. 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. It is alleged that as soon as LeBell placed his arms around Seagal's neck and Seagal said "go" that LeBell choked him unconscious. For most of Eatons time in the business, she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, possibly even the world. In June 1976, LeBell refereed the infamous boxing-versus-wrestling contest between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Tokyo, Japan. [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". Gene LeBell is currently married to Wendy LeBell whom he married in 1977. You are a true living legend! 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. You can follow him on Twitter (@MoustacheClubUS) and read more of his work at www.oliverbateman.com. Chris Pellitteri, Mr. Gene LeBell ; Thank you for your kindness and wisdom over the years. There he found quick success. They knew each other and worked together on the Green Hornet. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North. Ronda Rousey. 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. Congratulations Gene LeBell! He was known by many as the "Godfather of Grappling," and influenced fighters around the world. And Thank You for all those Decals and Patches you sent Charlotte and I each Christmas. "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. Judo Gene!!! Im proud to be a friend of yours for over 50 years. Enjoyed reading about Gene Lebell? Tim Gilbert, This tribute is well deserved. 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. August 10, 2022 11:30 am ET. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. "Judo" Gene LeBell the "Godfather of Grappling" is both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywood's busiest stuntmen. thank you so much for all the encouragement over all these decades . You always got the cool moves to Choke em Out .. stay healthy my friend .. Love, Troy Gilbert, Unreal. The tributes for "Judo" Gene LeBell, who died on August 9, 2022, at age 89, poured in after news of his passing starting circulating. Sometimes Steven has a tendency to cheese off the wrong people, and you can get hurt doing that. [7][8] In return, Savage offered to wear a judogi. He is loved by so many and admired by countless others. Congrats my friend and God Bless. By the time he transitioned to judo in the early 1950s, LeBell had already spent untold hours in submission holds and on the receiving end of punches from boxers like the great Sugar Ray Robinson at L.A.s famous Main Street Gym. He repeated this dominant performance in 1955, winning all but one of his 18 matches solely with standing throws. The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. Michael Hughes, Thank you for being such an influence and inspiration to MANY! Steve Boyum, Absolutely couldnt go to a better candidate. Erik Stabenau, Congratulations Gene. The combatants were initially cautious, with LeBell being the first in pressing the action by attempting to throw Savage down. 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. . Part of HuffPost Entertainment. He would also occasionally wrestle in a disguise as The Hangman. After his competitive career, Gene LeBell would go on to become a martial arts instructor, a professional wrestler, stunt performer and actor in Los Angeles. He was 89. 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. The grappling club master . As wellback in the day..i drove out to ride motos with Gene & some friends at his area in Frazier Park. 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. Black Belt EXCLUSIVE. [citation needed], On March 23, 1991, LeBell was awarded the Honorary "Reel" Membership by the Ring of Friendship of the Cauliflower Alley Club. Over the course of this six-decade career, LeBell had a hand in training many prominent players in the entertainment, wrestling, and MMA worlds. In addition to his judo background, LeBell has an extensive background in submission grappling and catch wrestling, and has trained under Lou Thesz, Karl Gotch and Ed "Strangler" Lewis. How Do We Solve This Crisis? 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. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman "Judo" Gene LeBell would have turned 90. An agreement was reached for the match to last five rounds, each lasting three minutes. One thing I learned was never never mess with Gene LeBell. I have ridden on the back of his bike for one of his marathon wheelies.Pine Mtn Club so much fun. [8], After returning to the United States, LeBell competed as a heavyweight. He deserves this award. ", "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. 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 always been inspired by this quality in you Uncle Gene and I cherish the memories of the many great experiences we have had together. Im honored to know you! [7] In 1954 and 1955, while only 22 years of age, he captured both the heavyweight and overall Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships. [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]. However, Tarantino disputes this claim. He is the author of 12 martial arts books. There has also been rumors that the unconscious Seagal may have soiled himself. In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him to 9th Dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. 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. Lou Thesz. she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, who was said to be terrorizing the stuntman for a particular scene, background in the Japanese martial art of aikido. People called him the Toughest Man Alive. "[24], Seagal bodyguard and stuntman Steven Lambert, stated he was present and said that a confrontation did happen. One day in. 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. Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner. Neil Melanson 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. To quote C.S. The Alabama passer is one of the smallest QB prospects to be pegged as a first-round pick. Freddy Bouceigues, No one deserves this more then you uncle Gene. Gene LeBell talks about Bruce Lee. He was acquitted and continued performing stunts for the big and small screen, alike. You were a better reference than SAG! I love you. It has been an honor to work with you ,and see how much you have done, over the years. We are all so proud of you, youre a legend. 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. (Gene LeBell Biography). At four months old (April 1941), the Lee family returned to Hong Kong. After earning these titles, LeBell made the transition to professional wrestling because of the promise of better earnings in the sport. On the day of the match, Savage appeared wearing a karategi instead, much tighter and harder to grab. 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. Besides being a boxer, Milo Savage also had a background in wrestling. Freddie Blassie. This is very much deserved. In the stunt world, I get a pretty doggone good retirement from SAG and AFTRAand I can still work.. The Hollywood Reporter: Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and Godfather of Grappling, Dies at 89, Deadline: Gene LeBell Dies: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Who Fought Bruce Lee & Chuck Norris Onscreen Was 89, MMA Fighting: Toughest man I know: Pros react to pioneer Judo Gene LeBells death, The Huffington Post: Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman, Martial Artist And Bruce Lees Teacher Dies At 89. So happy for you. Billy Robinson. 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. It was the long-running Lassie series that first tested LeBells mettle. We love him! If you want to do a whizzer throw in wrestling, its the same as an uchimata [inner thigh throw] in judo. 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. Chuck & Charlotte Waters, Special man and amazing human being, so deserving of this recognition. Ill toast you from Texas! Ian Avabe, You Rock a Master of all well deserved Si PJ Hooper Kelly, Congratulations Gene. Awesome Steve Picerni. 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. "I learned the [LeBell Lock] from a guy named Neil Melanson," Danielson told the WWE website in 2010. 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. 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. Still, he continued to get regular stunt work on TV. 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. LeBell also worked on over 1,000 movies and TV shows [1] and authored 12 books. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Martial artist Bas Rutten poses 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. His death was announced by Kellie Cunningham, his trustee and business manager, who did not. Roberts, Nobody in the world more respected!! A lot of fighters are broke. An incredible life being rightfully recognized. [8], In 1963, LeBell became involved with a challenge by boxer and writer Jim Beck to the practitioners of Japanese martial arts. To prevent a full-blown riot, hometown hero and rated professional boxer Jay Fullmer (brother of boxers Gene and Don Fullmer) entered the ring to congratulate LeBell. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . For a time, he took on a role as "policeman" for the organization, helping to maintain order. 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. 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. [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). After an illustrious judo career, Gene tried his hand at professional wrestling, and actually won the heavyweight title in Amarillo, Texas. Martial Art: Take a wild guess.Notable Achievements: "Judo" Gene LeBell has arguably the most impressive MMA resume of anyone on this list, and 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. He was born there on November 27, 1940, making him a dual Hong Kong and United States citizen by birth. Judo is wrestling with handles, he told Black Belt magazine in 1994. LeBell was selected from over 200 other applicants to referee the bout. [25], LeBell has earned himself the nicknames "Judo" Gene LeBell, "the Godfather of Grappling" and also "the toughest man alive" for his participation in combat sports. 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. Without locking the hold, Seagal side stepped and swung his forearm backwards into his crotch. Extant fight footage shows a stocky LeBell, probably 60 to 70 pounds heavier than he was when he debuted in judo, cautiously circling and then struggling to throw the much smaller man, who exhibited sound wrestling defense. Something went wrong. We ask all these burning questions, and more! The seeds that Gene LeBell helped plant have grown into the modern landscape of mixed martial arts that we know today. 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.. Ivan "Judo" Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. OSU! 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. Gene LeBell was chosen for the match out of over 200 candidates. (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. LeBell even awarded Piper a legitimate Black Belt in Judo . developed adult skills by 13. 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. Challenge coins, decorated with an image of LeBell, were sold for donations, which raised more than $2,000. I feel really fortunate to have had him as a part of my life as it is, and really glad to also been able to tell him what an amazing human being, and what an amazing martial artist, he was straight to his face.. Gene LeBell was a man who lived a full and adventurous life. 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. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. 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. He is there to help you any time any where. Brad Curran June 8, 2018 Interviews. LeBell died in his sleep early Tuesday morning at his home in Sherman Oaks, his trustee and business manager, Kellie Cunningham, told The Hollywood Reporter. All the best! He taught me how to fight, taught me how to ride. Mr. LeBell died on Aug. 9 at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles. 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. 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. 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. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. 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. Beck engaged in abundant trash-talk, but revealed a very limited knowledge of martial arts, seemingly mistaking judo for karate. After, my arms were trembling with strain, you told me to stop and smiled at me, and said kid, dont quit your day job. [10] LeBell tried several techniques through the second and third rounds and was finally successful in taking Savage down, but Savage kept defending both standing and on the ground in a very technical manner, seemingly confirming LeBell's theory about his opponent's grappling training. In 1954, at the age of 20, Gene won the National Heavyweight Judo Championshi and the USA Overall Judo championship title. [10], The loss by Savage, the hometown favorite, caused the crowd to react violently. Weve worked together for over (50) years and its been (50) years of pure delight. His very first match was against John Osako, one of the highest ranked judokas at the national level. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. You have given so much to our community and film business! [31], On August 9, 2022, LeBell died in his sleep.[32][33]. At 12 LeBell took up judo. All my love and respect Pat Romano, Ya ya Uncle Gene , to one of the Gilberts favorite people . Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! The godfather of modern grappling and a legitimate tough guy in his own right, LeBell. [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963. In addition to spending extensive time in the world of . LeBell was never a main-event star in wrestling and by even the most generous assessment wasnt exactly a crowd-pleaser in the ring. Sat 9th Apr 2022 19.30 BST. With love and affection, Sandy Gimpel, Congrats on your big nite!! Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. If I could get my arms around you I would hug you. I thought I was the only one. Seems like yesterday, lifes crazy like that, huh? Well done sir! Will Bowman, Well deserved! Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. The program featured several other martial artists including Graciela Casilas, Karen Sheperd, Victor Ledbetter, Steve Sanders, brothers Benny and Reuben Urquidez, and Dave Vaden. Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell's death via Facebook, writing, "You will be greatly missed Gene, 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). Craig Frosty Silva, Gene LeBell What can anybody tell you about Gene LeBell? LeBell served as the inspiration for Brad Pitt's character in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.. 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. Joseph Davis, Gene is truly a genuine Good person and a great friend. I made very good money, and it led me into a career in stunt work.. Brandon Recor, Congratulations!!! Being 63 years old, LeBell declined to compete or to send a representative, instead suggesting a match against Royce's 82-year-old father, the renowned Hlio Gracie. The boxer blocked the move, which aggravated an old shoulder injury of LeBell. 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. Please enter a valid email and try again. 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? Whats different about the Sixers this year? 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. LeBell was 89 years old. After winning amateur national competitions in judo, LeBell decided to make the switch to pro wrestling as it offered more lucrative earnings. LeBell earned the upset win via an osaekomi. 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. Confused by William Beaudines direction, LeBell ended up being chomped by a 700-pound bear named Victor. 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. The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference. You always tried to get me to go dirt biking with you but I never gave in. A notable one was the 'Hot Rod' himself, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. (Gene LeBell Biography), LeBell transitioned from amateur to AAU national judo champ in 1954 and catapulted to national attention but as a pro wrestler, playing Hank the Hangman; he made a living by losing every match. 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. His students in those fields included Roddy Piper, Ronda Rousey, and many others. 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. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic both had 40-point games after the Sixers loss against the Mavs.