Despite his martial arts credentials, LeBell did not immediately connect with wrestling audiences. [8] Gene also wrestled under a black mask as The Hangman, teaming up with Roy Staggs. They shared their stories about the Toughest Man Alive and Godfather of Grapplings warmth and generosity. 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. Gene LeBell began his martial arts training at the age of 13 and went on to become the Godfather of Grappling and is considered by many to be the father of MMA. So may you rest in power, Gene.. So they said I could make good money in professional wrestling, which I did. Ross Clay, Gene is the most unselfish and most giving person I know. When he arrived, Gene LeBell learned that he would not be fighting Beck, but instead a much more well-known boxer in Milo Savage. 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? Gene LeBell's martial arts career was supported and influenced by his mother "Red Head" Aileen Eaten who was a promoter of both sports and who owned the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. 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. (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 LeBell, also known as 'Judo Gene LeBell' is best known for, you guessed it, judo. 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. LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts in his 70s. . Mary Karcz, Hi Gene, Id just like to Congratulate you on your receiving the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. However, the writing was on the wall for Savage: LeBell threw and then mounted the boxer in the second round, although he couldnt secure a finish, then hip-tossed him in the fourth round before using a gi choke to render his foe unconsciousmuch to the displeasure of the crowd, which was unused to seeing people choked in this way. Joseph Davis, Gene is truly a genuine Good person and a great friend. Oliver Lee Bateman is a journalist and sports historian who lives in Pittsburgh. Gary Davis, So awesome!!! Neil Melanson Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. I was always jealous that you could ride a wheelie so much better than me. For LeBell, one martial art naturally flowed into another; they were already mixing together in his curious mind. Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree in jujitsu and taihojutsu in 2000 by the United States Ju-Jitsu (USJJF) Ju Jitsu Federation. 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. LeBells wrestling fortunes variedhis brother Mike told Sports Illustrated in 1995 that he had fired Gene on several occasions, noting that sometimes even I thought he was crazybut his career continued its upward trajectory as he moved into the Hollywood stunt work that would see him participating in thousands of projects over the years. 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. [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. Whats legacy, anyway? 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 . He is the author of 12 martial arts books. August 18 | 2022. blackbeltmag.com. Gene, I appreciate the things youve accomplished in life, and acknowledge your generosity to those you have helped to achieve theirs. What are you doing? LeBell remembers the helmer lamenting. (Gene LeBell Biography). The boxer blocked the move, which aggravated an old shoulder injury of LeBell. (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. We love him! Gene LeBell died in his sleep on August 9 th 22, at age 89, two months to the day shy of his 90 th birthday. 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. 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. Gene LeBell, the colorful judo champion, wrestler and stuntman who trained Bruce Lee, fought Elvis Presley and John Wayne in the movies and was an inspiration for Brad Pitt's character in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, has died.He was 89. Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. LeBell was 89 years old. Its great having such a role model to look up to. [23] LeBell's trainee Ronda Rousey, assured Seagal was the one lying and said: "If [Seagal] says anything bad about Gene to my face, I'd have to make him crap his pants a second time. While working at the stunt coordinator for Seagal's film Out for Justice, the two of them met to test Seagal's statement. Michael Nesbitt, Congratulations, judo Gene LeBell Tony Epperson, Congratulations! (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. 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. Congrats Rick Avery, Congratulations Uncle Gene! [2] AEW, Triple H & WWE acknowledged LeBell's influence. [21], The popularity of this incident led LeBell to be counted in 1992 as a potential additional member of Robert Wall's controversial "Dirty Dozen," a group of martial artists willing to answer to a public challenge made by Seagal. We cant have blood! Gaffer tape stanched the bleeding, and LeBell managed six more takes. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman "Judo" Gene LeBell would have turned 90. They all grew up to be great young men, James is a newspaper writer for various companies, David is a Federal Police Officer and Matthew is an accountant and they all, always talk about the days they train under Gene. With respect, Missy OMalley-Reynolds, Uncle Gene, Thanks for never burning our house down. 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. Its an honor to be your student and friend. He eventually adopted the role as "policeman" for the promotion, maintaining law and order, especially during matches involving his brother Mike LeBell. A half-century ago, Pink Floyd unleashed a classic that still lingers on the Billboard charts and in college dorms to this day. Stunts Unlimited Member Gene LeBell was presented with the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, May 13th, 2017 for his outstanding contribution to the world of action feature films. [2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. A true legend with a legacy of amazing stunt history. He went on to win the both the Heavyweight and overall champion title 1955 as well. The Cauliflower Alley Club presented the award. Craig Frosty Silva, Gene LeBell What can anybody tell you about Gene LeBell? In a recent conversation with Bob Calhoun, the coauthor of LeBells autobiography The Godfather of Grappling, the judoka, then 87 years old, said he was surprised that Lee didnt try to counter me, so I think he was more surprised than anything else. In the years that followed, Lee worked with LeBell to incorporate grappling into his films, defeating Sammo Hung with an arm bar in Enter the Dragon and Chuck Norriswho would become another long-time collaborator of LeBellsvia chokehold in Way of the Dragon. 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. [27] He also did interviews for magazines, newspapers, and radio. 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.. This match could be argued to be the first televised MMA match in history. [21] He was quoted as saying: "When we had a little altercation or difference of opinion, there were thirty stuntmen and cameramen that were watching. Roberts, Nobody in the world more respected!! His students in those fields included Roddy Piper, Ronda Rousey, and many others. Freddie Blassie. Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. [29], LeBell was arrested, charged with, and tried for the July 1976 murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall. [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! [7][8] In return, Savage offered to wear a judogi. We are incredibly sad to report that our hero, dear friend and Stunts Unlimited brother passed away yesterday, August 9th, 2022 at the age of 89. 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. 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.. The judoka and his team showed their sportsmanship by helping to revive Savage using kappo, as neither the referee nor the ring doctor knew how to resuscitate him. Way to go Uncle Gene!!! 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. He is loved by so many and admired by countless others. Lee was especially interested in exploring grappling with help from him and exchanged ideas[19] on various fighting techniques. Karl Gotch. '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. 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. Almost everyone present to honor him wore a Gene LeBell tee-shirt, and his widow Midge sported a sweater covered in patches that LeBell made over the years to give out to fans for souvenirs. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. He also had 8 grandchildren. The combatants were initially cautious, with LeBell being the first in pressing the action by attempting to throw Savage down. Thank you, Mr. LeBell! Gene LeBell was born on October 9, 1932. 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. Love you brother congratulations! At the insistence of friend and martial artist, Ed Parker, Gene LeBell accepted the challenge match and travelled to Utah to fight Beck. "My name is Gene LeBell. Featuring "Judo" Gene LeBell's champion student "The Armenian Assassin" Gokor Chivichyan and friends." . The fun motorcycle rides we used to go on out at the Pig Farm and at your mountain house. [10] Also, according to LeBell and other sources, Savage's gloves contained brass knuckles[9][10] and he had greased up his gi with vaseline to make gripping it more difficult. Gene LeBell heard about the proclamation and decided to take Seagal up on the challenge. 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. For similar uses, see, MMA History Gene Lebell VS Milo Savage, 1963, The Godfather of Grappling (authorised biography of LeBell) by "Judo" Gene LeBell, Bob Calhoun, George Foon, and Noelle Kim. In the stunt world, I get a pretty doggone good retirement from SAG and AFTRAand I can still work.. He is currently the head grappling coach at Jaco Hybrid Training Center.He is the former head grappling coach at both . He worked in. Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! Our aim is to create a shop for BJJ Students who don't look at Jiu-Jitsu as a sport - but a lifestyle. A lot of fighters are broke. For 89 years, few did that work better than Judo Gene LeBell. Please enter a valid email and try again. Congratulations brother Gene!!! It has been alleged that at some point LeBell heard about the claim and gave Seagal the opportunity to prove it. Still, he continued to get regular stunt work on TV. A tribute to the late martial artist, stuntman, actor and pro wrestler Gene LeBell. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018). 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. Brandon Recor, Congratulations!!! August 10, 2022 1:24pm. Congrats my friend and God Bless. Congratulations Gene. It has been an honor to work with you ,and see how much you have done, over the years. A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. 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. On the day of the match, Savage appeared wearing a karategi instead, much tighter and harder to grab. Judo Gene!!! The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference. 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. If you saw Quentin Tarantino's . Along the way, his list of big-name collaborators, students, and opponents became as packed as his CV; in addition to Lee, . After getting his black belt, he went to Japan to train in judo at the Kodokan. According to the Hollywood Reporter, famed stunt performer Gene LeBell died on August 9 at the age of 89. Plus, Nadine Smith on the Agendas Behind Wrestling Documentaries. Scott Wilder, Thank you Sensei for paving the way for martial artists in this biz! He was acquitted of the murder charge but convicted as an accessory for driving the convicted murderer, pornographer Jack Ginsburgs, to and from the murder scene. God Bless you Gene and your lovely wife and thanks you for all the things you taught me. The two became close friends, but the actors untimely death stymied LeBells chance for future speaking parts. 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. Hey Gene which way to the Beach? Why Are American Teens So Unhappy? I love you Gene and I am very proud of your accomplishments in our business. You used to practice on your son David and I used to say to him I want to try that too, to be choked out by your dad. OSU! Despite this, a man tried to stab LeBell on the way out and the latter had to be protected by the judokas and professional wrestlers who accompanied him. LeBell was 89 years old. He has trained with or taught grappling skills to many well-known wrestlers and martial artists, such as Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Bob Wall, Chuck Norris, Ed Parker, Gokor Chivichyan, Karo Parisyan, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Mando Guerrero, Manny Gamburyan. Mike Smith, Congratulations on this most deserving award for a really great guy. Hardcover - January 1, 2004. [7] In 1954 and 1955, while only 22 years of age, he captured both the heavyweight and overall Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships. Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. McCarthy, veteran actress Karen Black and legendary wrestling and martial arts teacher famous for Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. We couldnt prouder. Andy Gill, Congratulations Gene !!! [9], Encouraged by Ed Parker,[8] LeBell accepted the challenge and travelled to Salt Lake City to meet Beck. Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! 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 always put a smile on my face when you would call the SAMP office. LeBell helped Seagal up. 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. Ivan "Judo" Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. Well deserved !!! When he entered the 1954 AAU National Judo championship as a lightly regarded 160-pound heavyweight, he pinned 1952 Pan American Games gold medalist Johnny Osako in his first match, then went on to win both his weight class as well as the overall tournament. Stunt coordinator Bennie Dobbins begged LeBell to humble Lee, who allegedly beat up on his stuntmen throughout the shows production. Humbled to be 1 of many. I am so glad I was there Live to see it ! 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. A long overdue, but well deserved award. His career bore that out. All my love and respect Pat Romano, Ya ya Uncle Gene , to one of the Gilberts favorite people . Bryan Danielson's LeBell Lock was named after the legendary grappler. Mal, Jo, and Ben get together to talk about where the Mandalorian people are, what adventure awaits Din and Grogu, and much more. The Ploys and Tactics Behind Oscar Campaigning, A Secret Laundromat Meetup, New Jersey Episode 4, and Potomac Reunion Part 2. 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. Stunts Unlimited Member Gene LeBell was presented with the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, May 13th, 2017 for his outstanding contribution to the world of action feature films. 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. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. Besides being a boxer, Milo Savage also had a background in wrestling. [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. 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. 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. It must be said at this stage that . For most of Eatons time in the business, she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, possibly even the world. Muhammad Ali. I love you. In 2004, Gene Lebell was promoted to 10th degree black belt in those arts. 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. You are a true living legend. 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. He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. 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. Gary Goltz. To succeed in the NFL, hell need to be an outlier among outliers. 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. Gregg Smrz, So well deserved! Youre not only a legend to me but a great, great friend. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), The remarkable Judo Gene LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts well into his 80s. Cheers! Well done sir! LeBell would win the match osaekomi where the practitioner pins the opponent for a specified amount of time earning the victory. 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. 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. This scene is loosely based on world class Judoka Gene LeBell . LeBell also gained notoriety for the way he dealt with the notoriously eccentric and aggressive Steven Seagal on the set of the 1991 film Out for Justice. Well deserved. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. You don't earn the nickname 'Judo' without knowing a thing or two about combat; just ask Steven Seagal. I have ridden on the back of his bike for one of his marathon wheelies.Pine Mtn Club so much fun. We worked out about 10 to 12 times at his place in Los Angeles Chinatown and at my place.. Born in Los Angeles in 1932, LeBell was shipped off to a military. If I could get my arms around you I would hug you. He taught fighters like Rowdy Roddy Piper, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey how to grapple and regularly trained Bruce Lee. G-E-N-E Capital-L-E-Capital-B-E-L-L. . 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. Congrats to the amazing living legend John Stoneham, Jr. Congratulations Gene, you know I love you, and Im so very very proud of you. LeBell was selected from over 200 other applicants to referee the bout. Working with Gene on many television and films, I learned how to take judo and marital art punches and kicks and fly through the air, crazing through various objects to the ground .