You deserve every bit of it! (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. After an illustrious judo career, Gene tried his hand at professional wrestling, and actually won the heavyweight title in Amarillo, Texas. 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. #246C,Beverly, MA 01915,United States. Chris Pellitteri, Mr. Gene LeBell ; Thank you for your kindness and wisdom over the years. Stuntman Gene LeBell might not have been around since Hollywood's first fist fight, but his skill has transformed the genre. LeBell was 89 years old. As wellback in the day..i drove out to ride motos with Gene & some friends at his area in Frazier Park. You have been a legend for over 60 years and Im honored each month that I get to see you!!!! [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. Ill never forget that moment, congratulations brother. Awesome Steve Picerni. 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 my brother!!! He was 89. A long overdue, but well deserved award. Oliver Lee Bateman is a journalist and sports historian who lives in Pittsburgh. He sparred with James Cagney while shooting Blood on the Sun in 1945, allowing the famous actor to dominate the 20-minute skirmish which garnered rave reviews. LeBell came off the floor by a few feet. The pictures above are from the TV show Fall Guy and I told Gene I didnt want to hit him on the bike and he said I dont want you to hit me eitheryou may hurt yourself. Congratulations Gene, you earned this award and no one in this world is taking it away from the Toughest man Alive. Jack Gill. Gene LeBell would ultimately choke his opponent unconscious after a tentative start to the match. LeBell earned the upset win via an osaekomi. The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference. Big hug and a kiss! According to Lambert, Seagal explained to LeBell that he did not believe his choke hold was effective, and that he could escape from it. [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. The grappling club master . (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. 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. It is alleged that as soon as LeBell placed his arms around Seagal's neck and Seagal said "go" that LeBell choked him unconscious. (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. After earning these titles, LeBell made the transition to professional wrestling because of the promise of better earnings in the sport. 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. Brandon Recor, Congratulations!!! He is the greatest!! ( Aubrey Sitterson, rondarousey.com, 2018). A tribute to the late martial artist, stuntman, actor and pro wrestler Gene LeBell. 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 . Black Belt EXCLUSIVE. It was a fascinating collection of people mourning too, from the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts, acting, and beyond. AEW Revolution Preview, and Whats Going on With Brock, Bray, Bobby, and Omos? It always put a smile on my face when you would call the SAMP office. 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. Here's an attempt to share some of those posts and tweets from the cross . . It will be donated to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Southern California, in honor of LeBell. After spending time training Judo overseas in Japan at the Kodokan, in 1954 the 22 year old Gene Lebell would capture both the heavyweight and the overall Judo Championships. 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 the course of this six-decade career, LeBell had a hand in training many prominent players in the entertainment, wrestling, and MMA worlds. [7] In 1954 and 1955, while only 22 years of age, he captured both the heavyweight and overall Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships. 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. Those were great times !! LeBell is also a writer and has penned a dozen books on martial arts. 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. Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree in jujitsu and taihojutsu in 2000 by the United States Ju-Jitsu (USJJF) Ju Jitsu Federation. If I could get my arms around you I would hug you. Congratulations Gene Eric Norris, Gene LeBell is my hero and always has been. 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 sparred with James Cagney while shooting "Blood on the Sun" in 1945, allowing the famous actor to dominate the 20-minute skirmish which . In the stunt world, I get a pretty doggone good retirement from SAG and AFTRAand I can still work.. A true legend with a legacy of amazing stunt history. Whats legacy, anyway? 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. Michael Nesbitt, Congratulations, judo Gene LeBell Tony Epperson, Congratulations! [8], In 1963, LeBell became involved with a challenge by boxer and writer Jim Beck to the practitioners of Japanese martial arts. Congrats to the amazing living legend John Stoneham, Jr. Congratulations Gene, you know I love you, and Im so very very proud of you. As a stuntman, Gene has worked on more than 1000 film and television projects during a career that has spanned over 50 years. (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. Plus, Nadine Smith on the Agendas Behind Wrestling Documentaries. Congratulations & we all love you. LeBell was 89 years old. 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. Gregg Smrz, So well deserved! Instructed through brutal tutorials by professional wrestlers and old-school masters, he developed adult skills by 13. He would also occasionally wrestle in a disguise as The Hangman. While working at the stunt coordinator for Seagal's film Out for Justice, the two of them met to test Seagal's statement. Chuck Norris. Im honored to know you! Derek spoke with Matthew Biel of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital about rising teenage unhappiness and what we can do to fix it, All You Touch and All You See: Dark Side of the Moon at 50. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. [7] Despite his pedigree, he did not get over immediately with audiences but gradually became known for his martial arts background. His talent in his field was known worldwide and those that got to know him knew he had a heart that matched that talent, the groups statement added. Roddy Piper. Ill be there to shake your hand tomorrow. 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. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. He won the Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships in 1954 and 1955 when he was 22, according to Black Belt Magazine. He was 89. LeBell's conviction for being an accessory was later overturned by the California Courts of Appeal. Steve Boyum, Absolutely couldnt go to a better candidate. Well done sir! He is a two time AAU National Judo Champion and he was a professional wrestling world heavyweight champion . Joseph Davis, Gene is truly a genuine Good person and a great friend. Craig Hosking, Congratulations Gene you are a legend! He is currently 89 years old. 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's funeral will be private for immediate family only. Hey Gene which way to the Beach? [30], LeBell and Ginsburgs were former friends and business partners of Hall. "Judo" Gene LeBell the "Godfather of Grappling" was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywood's busiest stuntmen. [12] Finally, he performed a left harai goshi in the fourth round and followed by locking a rear naked choke. After winning amateur national competitions in judo, LeBell decided to make the switch to pro wrestling as it offered more lucrative earnings. To start academies, and then have a lineage of students that he brought up, not just martial arts but also film., Barnett said of his accomplishments, Its really just incredible to see someone be able to tip the scales of the world with just his own hands like that. A professional stuntman and actor, LeBell appeared in over 1,000 films and TV shows, and authored 12 books. 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. Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. 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. Ronnie and Mary Rondell, Congratulations Uncle Gene! So well deserved!! [citation needed], On March 23, 1991, LeBell was awarded the Honorary "Reel" Membership by the Ring of Friendship of the Cauliflower Alley Club. So happy for you. Love you brother congratulations! I tried to get your son some work but hes always at the beach. Challenge coins, decorated with an image of LeBell, were sold for donations, which raised more than $2,000. He eventually adopted the role as "policeman" for the promotion, maintaining law and order, especially during matches involving his brother Mike LeBell. It goes to a great man of strength, integrity and honor. For most of Eatons time in the business, she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, possibly even the world. 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. Thank you, Mr. LeBell! At four months old (April 1941), the Lee family returned to Hong Kong. Jimmy Halty, Congratulations Gene. 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. Little Mo and Lou, Uncle Gene has been a trusted mentor, ardent Sensei and dear friend to me and countless other stunt people throughout the years. 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. 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. How Do We Solve This Crisis? 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. [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. Ronda Rousey. Stoked I get to make it this year. RIP Gene LeBell - Part II. Sandra Brumfield Avo, Gene is as it has been said amongst the fight world..is the Toughest Man. Hardcover - January 1, 2004. This scene is loosely based on world class Judoka Gene LeBell . He is loved by so many and admired by countless others. In addition to spending extensive time in the world of . thank you so much for all the encouragement over all these decades . LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. Genes feature film appearances include Blue Hawaii (1965), Planet of the Apes (1968), Raging Bull (1980), Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985), Bad Guys (1986), Hard to Kill (1990), Die Hard 2 (1990), Patriot Games (1992), Ed Wood (1994), L.A. 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. 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. He also had 8 grandchildren. UFC 285 Preview: Can Jon Jones Turn Back the Clock? Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. Influential combat sports icon "Judo" Gene LeBell has died at 89. In 1954, at the age of 20, Gene won the National Heavyweight Judo Championshi and the USA Overall Judo championship title. Gene LeBell had thousands of students over the years. Whats different about the Sixers this year? He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. 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. With love and affection, Sandy Gimpel, Congrats on your big nite!! He was a man that no endeavor was too tall for him to accomplish, Josh Barnett said of LeBell. Outside of the fight game, LeBell worked in film & television, appearing in multiple Elvis Presley movies and working on The Green Hornet TV series, where he struck up a friendship with Bruce Lee. Some of his most famous students were, Ronda Rousey, Sugar Ray Robinson,. [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]. The Ploys and Tactics Behind Oscar Campaigning, A Secret Laundromat Meetup, New Jersey Episode 4, and Potomac Reunion Part 2. Born in Los Angeles in 1932, LeBell was shipped off to a military. LeBell accompanied Ronda Rousey to the cage for some of her MMA matches in recent years, and served as a MMA judge through 2018. All the best! Wrestlers & MMA stars pay tribute to Gene LeBell. After getting his black belt, he went to Japan to train in judo at the Kodokan. 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. 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. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. Judo is wrestling with handles, he told Black Belt magazine in 1994. You too? The two became close friends, but the actors untimely death stymied LeBells chance for future speaking parts. I made very good money, and it led me into a career in stunt work.. At the insistence of friend and martial artist, Ed Parker, Gene LeBell accepted the challenge match and travelled to Utah to fight Beck. 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.
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