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. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), The remarkable Judo Gene LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts well into his 80s. Big hug and a kiss! He is a two time AAU National Judo Champion and he was a professional wrestling world heavyweight champion . (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. He believed in me which made me believe in myself. 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. If you saw Quentin Tarantino's . Karl Gotch. He is the greatest!! 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. Don't miss a beat. After an illustrious judo career, Gene tried his hand at professional wrestling, and actually won the heavyweight title in Amarillo, Texas. [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. 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! Influential combat sports icon "Judo" Gene LeBell has died at 89. Gene taught my three sons how to take every day life in the training under Gene. He is the author of 12 martial arts books. I love you Gene and I am very proud of your accomplishments in our business. [17] Ultimately, nothing came from it. 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? 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. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic both had 40-point games after the Sixers loss against the Mavs. I am so glad I was there Live to see it ! 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. Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. Could James Harden Potentially Return to Houston After the Season? 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. Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars. Youre not only a legend to me but a great, great friend. (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. This award is only given to a select few. Love ya, Buddy Joe Hooker, My dear friend Gene. Gene, I appreciate the things youve accomplished in life, and acknowledge your generosity to those you have helped to achieve theirs. With a background in judo and jiu-jitsu, LeBell was the mastermind behind some of the greatest fighters in the world. Jimmy Halty, Congratulations Gene. [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. Grand Master Leg Locks by Gokor Chivichyan. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. 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. Martial Art: Take a wild guess.Notable Achievements: "Judo" Gene LeBell has arguably the most impressive MMA resume of anyone on this list, and Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. Gene LeBell was born on October 09, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States, is Stunts, Actor, Miscellaneous Crew. For a time, he took on a role as "policeman" for the organization, helping to maintain order. Thank you, Mr. LeBell! David would look at me glassy eyed and say No you dont! August 18 | 2022. blackbeltmag.com. Its great having such a role model to look up to. Gene LeBell would become involved in a challenge match proposed by boxer and writer Jim Beck to all practitioners of Japanese martial arts. This is very much deserved. An incredible life being rightfully recognized. RIP Gene LeBell - Part II. 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. Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. I love you. Here's an attempt to share some of those posts and tweets from the cross . This set the Japanese crowd livid, as it was considered very insulting, but they somewhat calmed down after LeBell went on to win his division. 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. 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. Ivan Judo Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. In 1954, at the age of 20, Gene won the National Heavyweight Judo Championshi and the USA Overall Judo championship title. The athletic youngster tested himself with such self-imposed challenges as scaling 60-foot-high lighting stanchions to replace spent bulbs. Congratulations Gene. (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. An additional stipulation prevented LeBell from attempting tackles or takedowns under the waist. Thank you for all you have done for those of us blessed to learn from you. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. As described in Jonathan Snowdens Shooters, the match was a gripping affair, with the gripping part complicated by the fact that instead of wearing a loose judo gi, as he had promised, Savage instead showed up in a tighter-fitting karate gi intended to make it difficult for LeBell to grab and hold him (below-the-waist takedowns of the sort that LeBell believed to be most effective against boxers were barred). He was 89. LeBell served as the inspiration for Brad Pitt's character in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.. Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. He was known by many as the Godfather of Grappling, and influenced fighters around the world. You were a better reference than SAG! As soon as he landed, LeBell used a foot sweep to sweep Seagal off the floor, with Seagal landing on his back. Best to You Gene !! Congrats my friend and God Bless. Still working on the Pro Wrestling Finishing Holds book techniques to this day! I have grown up idolizing many of the SU members over the yearsGenes massive career and list of credits is insane. 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. LeBell demonstrated the choke hold by putting it on Seagal. Craig Hosking, Congratulations Gene you are a legend! 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. The godfather of modern grappling and a legitimate tough guy in his own right, LeBell. I thought I was the only one. Seems like yesterday, lifes crazy like that, huh? LeBell helped Seagal up. LeBell also worked on over 1,000 movies and TV shows [1] and authored 12 books. (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. [2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books. He started training in catch wrestling and boxing from his early childhood, influenced by his mother, "Red Head" Aileen Eaton, a promoter of both sports who owned the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner. Bryan Danielson's LeBell Lock was named after the legendary grappler. While working at the stunt coordinator for Seagal's film Out for Justice, the two of them met to test Seagal's statement. A notable one was the 'Hot Rod' himself, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. Ian Avabe, You Rock a Master of all well deserved Si PJ Hooper Kelly, Congratulations Gene. LeBell established himself as a martial artist long before he moved to Hollywood. Steve Boyum, Absolutely couldnt go to a better candidate. We cant have blood! Gaffer tape stanched the bleeding, and LeBell managed six more takes. A professional stuntman and actor, LeBell appeared in over 1,000 films and TV shows, and authored 12 books. LeBell was selected from over 200 other applicants to referee the bout. It is with a heavy heart that we recognize our past member and friend, Mr. Gene LeBell, has passed on. [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. Gene was an actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions for over fifty years with more than 150 acting credits and 250 stunt credits. Please enter a valid email and try again. There has also been rumors that the unconscious Seagal may have soiled himself. Gary Goltz. Love and Respect John C Meier, Gene, I first met you at the Olympic Auditorium many years ago, i cant believe how fast time has past, As a Great stuntman, Actor, Olympian and Teacher being Prolific to this Business you have planted many many seeds in Future Stunt men and stunt women, because of your thoughtful and kind hart this business will be Blessed with talent worthy of calling you Teacher and Friend, Your Long Lost, Brother From Another Mother, and Friend, Love You, Henry Kingi, Uncle GeneI can remember taking your class when I was a young stunt grunt. 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 guys in the business. Michael Nesbitt, Congratulations, judo Gene LeBell Tony Epperson, Congratulations! J.N. I tried to get your son some work but hes always at the beach. They knew each other and worked together on the Green Hornet. I wont say rest easy because we just dont see that happening with Gene. A pioneer of martial arts, he lived a long and fascinating life. So well deserved!! Lewis, Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another: What! 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 . Stuntman Gene LeBell might not have been around since Hollywood's first fist fight, but his skill has transformed the genre. [29], LeBell was arrested, charged with, and tried for the July 1976 murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall. LeBell accompanied Ronda Rousey to the cage for some of her MMA matches in recent years, and served as a MMA judge through 2018. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. It was agreed that the match would last five 3 three minute rounds. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Famous wrestler, Martial artist Ivan Gene LeBell better known as Gene LeBell, passes away at 89. 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. Jimmy Roberts, Gene youve always told me Im the best but your THE GREATEST Love ya, Manny Perry, I owe everything to Gene. You can follow him on Twitter (@MoustacheClubUS) and read more of his work at www.oliverbateman.com. Savanah Dawn Lilley, The one and only Uncle Gene! A industry standard, and great human being! 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. You don't earn the nickname 'Judo' without knowing a thing or two about combat; just ask Steven Seagal. Ivan Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler. 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.. Hardcover - January 1, 2004. [7][8] In return, Savage offered to wear a judogi. He taught fighters like Rowdy Roddy Piper, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey how to grapple and regularly trained Bruce Lee. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), A fight scene on the sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet earned LeBell his SAG card. His first match would be against the highly ranked judoka John Osako. 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. His career bore that out.
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