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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. You have given so much to our community and film business! If I could get my arms around you I would hug you. After earning these titles, LeBell made the transition to professional wrestling because of the promise of better earnings in the sport. 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. 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. 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. His very first match was against John Osako, one of the highest ranked judokas at the national level. 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.. Craig Frosty Silva, Gene LeBell What can anybody tell you about Gene LeBell? Why Gene LeBell's Life Is Like A Movie - TWM+: Sports, Entertainment [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. 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. [10], The loss by Savage, the hometown favorite, caused the crowd to react violently. Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner. [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. Gene LeBell's most famous match was his match with boxer/wrestler Milo Savage. UFC 285 Preview: Can Jon Jones Turn Back the Clock? 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 June of 1976, LeBell served as the referee during the infamous boxing versus wrestling match between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Japan. Contents Roddy Piper Talks MMA and Judo Gene LeBell His mother, Aileen Eaton, promoted fights at the Olympic Auditorium and was the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of . He is there to help you any time any where. Bottles, chairs, and other debris were thrown into the ring. thank you so much for all the encouragement over all these decades . Gene LeBell, a renowned stuntman who trained Bruce Lee and inspired the likes of Quentin Tarantino, died in his sleep Tuesday morning at his home in Sherman Oaks, California, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He is currently 89 years old. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Bas Rutten, Gokor Chivichyan, Paul Lazenby and Josh Barnett during a celebration of life for Judo Gene LeBell on what would have been his 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. 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. (Gene LeBell Biography), Born in Los Angeles in 1932, LeBell was shipped off to a military school at age 6 by his full-time working mom after his father died in a surfing accident. Oliver Lee Bateman is a journalist and sports historian who lives in Pittsburgh. 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. Its about time!! He taught fighters like Rowdy Roddy Piper, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey how to grapple and regularly trained Bruce Lee. All my love and respect Pat Romano, Ya ya Uncle Gene , to one of the Gilberts favorite people . They shared their stories about the Toughest Man Alive and Godfather of Grapplings warmth and generosity. 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. Those were great times !! Few people know the amount of time, energy, dedication, innovation , and pure love you have graced us with in your illustrious career! 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. G-E-N-E Capital-L-E-Capital-B-E-L-L. . [7][9] The unusual stipulations convinced LeBell the Savage camp, far from being ignorant about martial arts, had trained Savage in judo in order to defend against LeBell's throws. Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman, Martial Artist And Bruce Lee's Teacher Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. Tanner Gill, Congrats Uncle Gene!! [12] Finally, he performed a left harai goshi in the fourth round and followed by locking a rear naked choke. 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.. "Judo" Gene LeBelle Passes Away At Age 89 | Rajah.com How Do We Solve This Crisis? Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. J.N. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! Gene LeBell, iconic martial arts pioneer, dies at the age of 89 Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. This is very much deserved. In addition to Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, LeBell also tutored the likes of Roddy Piper (who claimed in his autobiography to have received a black belt in judo from LeBell, though this is likely as spurious as the impossible-to-verify Golden Gloves championship he was sometimes reported as having won), Olympic bronze medalist judoka and future UFC and WWE star Ronda Rousey (who always cited him as an important mentor), American judo champion and instructor Gokor Chivichyan, and Chivichyans Armenian American judo student Karo Parisyan, one of the first notable judo practitioners in the UFC. 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.. Gene LeBell | Profile with News, Stats, Age & Height - Sports Pundit Roberts, Nobody in the world more respected!! Bruce Lee Scene in Once Upon A Time in Hollywood Was Inspired By Gene Sammy Horowitz, Congratulations Gene, its about time you were acknowledged for your amazing contribution to the stunt world. However, he had one last sports achievement on the horizon: an actual mixed martial arts boutsaid by some to be the first of its kind, though there were boxer-versus-wrestler antecedents in prior decadesin 1963 against middleweight boxing gatekeeper Milo Savage, whose lengthy career was winding down. Bruce Lee - Wikipedia 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. 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 . 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. 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. Norman Howell, Congratulations Gene LeBell an incredible Honor an so well deserved. Could James Harden Potentially Return to Houston After the Season? Lance Gilbert, Gene , you are surely deserving of this achievement even though your humility wont allow you to agree with us. Ill be there to shake your hand tomorrow. 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. Ill never forget that moment, congratulations brother. At 12 LeBell took up judo. I have grown up idolizing many of the SU members over the yearsGenes massive career and list of credits is insane. Many modern-day MMA fans recognize LeBell as the one who is present in many of Rousey's early games, coaching her on. He was born in Los Angeles, California. Ronda Rousey. UFC news: 'Judo' Gene LeBell dead at 89; MMA community mourns Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell's death via Facebook, writing, "You will be greatly missed Gene, I tried to get your son some work but hes always at the beach. Gene LeBell, Hollywood Stuntman and Martial Artist, Dies at 89 - Variety With a background in judo and jiu-jitsu, LeBell was the mastermind behind some of the greatest fighters in the world. [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]. Proud to be your friend! After winning amateur national competitions in judo, LeBell decided to make the switch to pro wrestling as it offered more lucrative earnings. Gene LeBell heard about the proclamation and decided to take Seagal up on the challenge. They knew each other and worked together on the Green Hornet. LeBell has worked on over 1000 TV Show and Film projects. Ivan "Judo" Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. LeBells years of stunt work and fight choreography also introduced grappling to the world of action movies, where it is now commonplace to see fighters turned actors such as Randy Couture and Gina Carano using submission holds in their action sequences. Tim Gilbert, This tribute is well deserved. 2005, Learn how and when to remove this template message, contest between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki, Golden Boy Promotions: Liddell vs. Ortiz 3, NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship, George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, NWA "Beat the Champ" Television Championship, NWA North American Heavyweight Championship, "IBK International Kyokushin Budokai Blak Belts", "Roots of Fight Brings Us the Story of "Judo" Gene LeBell MMA Pioneer and Terrifying Old Man", "Could Gene LeBell beat up Bruce Lee? The program featured several other martial artists including Graciela Casilas, Karen Sheperd, Victor Ledbetter, Steve Sanders, brothers Benny and Reuben Urquidez, and Dave Vaden. Neil Melanson is an American submission grappling coach. 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. Beck engaged in abundant trash-talk, but revealed a very limited knowledge of martial arts, seemingly mistaking judo for karate. Ronnie and Mary Rondell, Congratulations Uncle Gene! Over the course of this six-decade career, LeBell had a hand in training many prominent players in the entertainment, wrestling, and MMA worlds. LeBell's conviction for being an accessory was later overturned by the California Courts of Appeal. Could Gene LeBell, the 'real life Cliff Booth', beat up Bruce Lee? 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. Michael Nesbitt, Congratulations, judo Gene LeBell Tony Epperson, Congratulations! 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. Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. Neil Melanson Unfortunately, Bruce Lee passed away a few years later in 1973. His death was announced by Kellie Cunningham, his trustee and business manager, who did not. 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. It is with a heavy heart that we recognize our past member and friend, Mr. Gene LeBell, has passed on. 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. 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 . On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman Judo Gene LeBell would have turned 90. What Really Happened When Bruce Lee Met Gene LeBell Judo Gene LeBell the Godfather of Grappling was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywoods busiest stuntmen. Gene LeBell was born on October 9, 1932. Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. To succeed in the NFL, hell need to be an outlier among outliers. Gene LeBell - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Aloha, Brian Keaulana, Congratulations Gene! And Thank You for all those Decals and Patches you sent Charlotte and I each Christmas. And in February, 2005 Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree black belt in judo by USJJF. Youre not only a legend to me but a great, great friend. There is no one alive on this planet that deserves this Life Time Achievement Award more than you. He eventually adopted the role as "policeman" for the promotion, maintaining law and order, especially during matches involving his brother Mike LeBell. OSU! "[24], Seagal bodyguard and stuntman Steven Lambert, stated he was present and said that a confrontation did happen. LeBell established himself as a martial artist long before he moved to Hollywood. Why Are American Teens So Unhappy? developed adult skills by 13. David would look at me glassy eyed and say No you dont! The late 'Judo' Gene LeBell's 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 It is alleged that as soon as LeBell placed his arms around Seagal's neck and Seagal said "go" that LeBell choked him unconscious. 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. 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. Ivan Judo Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. The late 'Judo' Gene LeBell's 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 friends, students, family LeBell's top student, Gokor Chivichyan, held the event at his martial arts academy, remembering a . 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. Martial Art: Take a wild guess.Notable Achievements: "Judo" Gene LeBell has arguably the most impressive MMA resume of anyone on this list, and [30], LeBell and Ginsburgs were former friends and business partners of Hall. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), AnnMaria De Mars (L), with her daughter former UFC Champion and WWE star Ronda Rousey and Rouseys daughter Po, pose 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. The combatants were initially cautious, with LeBell being the first in pressing the action by attempting to throw Savage down. (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. [2] He was born in Los Angeles. LeBell has made himself the nicknames "Judo" Gene LeBell, "The Godfather of Grappling" and also "The Toughest Man Alive" for his . Gene LeBell, iconic martial arts pioneer, dies at the age of 89 - Daily LeBell earned the upset win via an osaekomi. 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. RIP Gene LeBell - Part II - Black Belt Magazine I thought I was the only one. Seems like yesterday, lifes crazy like that, huh? Voters will soon get a say, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Best to You Gene !! Gene LeBell was born on October 9, 1932. [28], LeBell was friends with world champion judoka AnnMaria De Mars, and had known her daughter, Olympic judoka, mixed martial artist and professional wrestler Ronda Rousey since her birth. Im honored to know you! In December 1939, his parents went to Chinatown, San Francisco in California for an international opera tour. 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. Congratulations Gene LeBell! "Judo" Gene LeBell Tribute - YouTube The fun motorcycle rides we used to go on out at the Pig Farm and at your mountain house. After getting his black belt, he went to Japan to train in judo at the Kodokan. 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. You too? For most of Eatons time in the business, she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, possibly even the world. Gene LeBell reflects on 50th anniversary of first major American mixed Love ya, Buddy Joe Hooker, My dear friend Gene. 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. Gene's funeral will be private for immediate family only. Congratulations very well deserved! He has fought, trained and performed with a dizzying array of some of the most prolific athletes and actors in the world. Gary Goltz. Mal, Jo, and Ben get together to talk about where the Mandalorian people are, what adventure awaits Din and Grogu, and much more. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. The late 'Judo' Gene LeBell's 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 Who was 'Judo' Gene LeBell? Martial artist, 89, was the - MEAWW Seagal himself denies the entire situation, calling LeBell a sick, pathological scumbag liar, though even Seagals former bodyguard Steven Lambert tells a version of the story that has Seagal attempting to resist LeBells application of the hold before winding up on the ground, though remaining conscious throughout. Erik Stabenau, Congratulations Gene. He is the author of 12 martial arts books. Awesome Steve Picerni. LeBells roots in combat sports ran deep. He has trained several notable students including Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey. The tributes for "Judo" Gene LeBell, who died on August 9, 2022, at age 89, poured in after news of his passing starting circulating. People called him the Toughest Man Alive. (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. Since Hayastan MMA Academy first opened its door, it has been one of the top gyms in the world. Most of his notoriety came after the release of his biggest film, Enter the Dragon, that same year. Cheers! Gene, I appreciate the things youve accomplished in life, and acknowledge your generosity to those you have helped to achieve theirs. . Gene LeBell was born on October 09, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States, is Stunts, Actor, Miscellaneous Crew. [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. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman "Judo" Gene LeBell would have turned 90. God bless. Gene is survived by his wife Midge, his children Monica and David; stepchildren Danny and Stacey; and grandchildren Daniel, Tyler and Nicholas. Blessed if you know him, crazy fun guy. 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 . It couldnt go to a better man. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), A fight scene on the sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet earned LeBell his SAG card. Plus, does starting Tyrese Maxey versus DeAnthony Melton make a difference on the defensive end? [8], After returning to the United States, LeBell competed as a heavyweight. You were a better reference than SAG! Craig Hosking, Congratulations Gene you are a legend! Im proud to be a friend of yours for over 50 years. LeBell demonstrated the choke hold by putting it on Seagal. He is currently the head grappling coach at Jaco Hybrid Training Center.He is the former head grappling coach at both . Despite his martial arts credentials, LeBell did not immediately connect with wrestling audiences. Ross Clay, Gene is the most unselfish and most giving person I know. LeBell was selected from over 200 other applicants to referee the bout. In 1994, LeBell counted kickboxing champion Benny Urquidez and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners the Machado brothers among his training partners.