If you want to do a whizzer throw in wrestling, its the same as an uchimata [inner thigh throw] in judo. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. Big hug and a kiss! 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. Tim Gilbert, This tribute is well deserved. Judo Gene LeBell was famous for his catch wrestling technique that later became an influence in both pro wrestling and mixed martial arts. 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. An additional stipulation prevented LeBell from attempting tackles or takedowns under the waist. Beck engaged in abundant trash-talk, but revealed a very limited knowledge of martial arts, seemingly mistaking judo for karate. Love ya, Buddy Joe Hooker, My dear friend Gene. 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. LeBell passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, just two months shy of being a nonagenarian. Seventeen years before the UFC debuted, though, LeBell refereed arguably the most notable mixed martial arts clash of the era, serving as the third man in the ring for the Muhammad AliAntonio Inoki superfight in Tokyo. Gene was an actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions for over fifty years with more than 150 acting credits and 250 stunt credits. Influential combat sports icon "Judo" Gene LeBell has died at 89. 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. [31], On August 9, 2022, LeBell died in his sleep.[32][33]. Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. As a stuntman, LeBell reportedly endured a punch from John Wayne for the 1952 film Big Jim McLain and a kick in the face from Elvis Presley for Blue Hawaii in 1961. In one scene, Brad Pitt plays a stuntman (Cliff Booth) and beats up Bruce Lee on the set of The Green Hornet in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. It is his 90th birthday and a celebration and memorial for him, Chivichyan said. OSU! 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. In a story worthy of the detective novels of Raymond Chandler, LeBell, who drove California pornography magnate Jack Ginsburgs to the murder scene, was acquitted on a murder charge but convicted and sentenced to probation as an accessory for his role in transporting Ginsburgs to the murdera conviction later overturned by the California Court of Appeals in a heavily fact-dependent decision based on careful interpretation of state rules of evidence rather than any new proof of LeBells innocence. If I have seen further it has been by standing on the shoulders of giants like you!! 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. Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. 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. Congrats my friend and God Bless. Stunt coordinator Bennie Dobbins begged LeBell to humble Lee, who allegedly beat up on his stuntmen throughout the shows production. Although LeBell would remain undefeated in the sport for eight years, even traveling to Japan in 1955 to further his judo skillsand, following a laundry mishap, adopt the pink gi that became a signature piece of his in-ring lookhis interests were too varied to allow him to focus exclusively on one sport. 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. Gene, I appreciate the things youve accomplished in life, and acknowledge your generosity to those you have helped to achieve theirs. I have grown up idolizing many of the SU members over the yearsGenes massive career and list of credits is insane. [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. It always put a smile on my face when you would call the SAMP office. He believed in me which made me believe in myself. Roberts, Nobody in the world more respected!! He will always be my Stunt Senei. Unfortunately, Bruce Lee passed away a few years later in 1973. Wrestlers & MMA stars pay tribute to Gene LeBell. After getting his black belt, he went to Japan to train in judo at the Kodokan. Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. Congratulations! His mother, Aileen Eaton, promoted fights at the Olympic Auditorium and was the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of . "[21], When Seagal was asked about the incident, he denied the incident took place, calling LeBell a "sick, pathological scumbag liar" and offered the name of a witness who could discredit the other account. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. 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. On August 7, 2004, the World Martial Arts Masters Association promoted him to 10th degree. [27] He also did interviews for magazines, newspapers, and radio. Ill toast you from Texas! Gene's funeral will be private for immediate family only. David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! 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 known by many as the Godfather of Grappling, and influenced fighters around the world. He is the greatest!! Gary Goltz. Stuntman Gene LeBell might not have been around since Hollywood's first fist fight, but his skill has transformed the genre. LeBell demonstrated the choke hold by putting it on Seagal. LeBell was selected from over 200 other applicants to referee the bout. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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. Along the way, his list of big-name collaborators, students, and opponents became as packed as his CV; in addition to Lee, . With a background in judo and jiu-jitsu, LeBell was the mastermind behind some of the greatest fighters in the world. He is, and always has been, a perfect example of what a professional stuntman should be and continues to teach and hand down his vast knowledge to all young and old who want to learn. [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. AEW, Triple H & WWE acknowledged LeBell's influence. Youre not only a legend to me but a great, great friend. A large frame surrounded a pink gi his signature judo uniform hung above a doorway leading to the training area. . [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. 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. Congratulations & we all love you. He had spent time in Japan training at the Kodokan. 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. Jimmy Roberts, Gene youve always told me Im the best but your THE GREATEST Love ya, Manny Perry, I owe everything to Gene. In June of 1976, LeBell served as the referee during the infamous boxing versus wrestling match between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Japan. He is currently 89 years old. Black Belt EXCLUSIVE. [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". At the insistence of friend and martial artist, Ed Parker, Gene LeBell accepted the challenge match and travelled to Utah to fight Beck. Confused by William Beaudines direction, LeBell ended up being chomped by a 700-pound bear named Victor. Ross Clay, Gene is the most unselfish and most giving person I know. The Creed Franchise Has Stepped Out of Rockys Shadow at Last, With Sylvester Stallone removed from the equation, Creed III is the sternest test yet of Adonis Creeds appealand a new challenge for first-time director Michael B. Jordan, The Clock Is Already Ticking for Kyrie Irving and the Mavs, Dallas now has a costar alongside Luka Doncic but has precious little time to make it all work. 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. After, my arms were trembling with strain, you told me to stop and smiled at me, and said kid, dont quit your day job. He sparred with James Cagney while shooting "Blood on the Sun" in 1945, allowing the famous actor to dominate the 20-minute skirmish which . He also had 8 grandchildren. 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. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. You have been a legend for over 60 years and Im honored each month that I get to see you!!!! [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]. Even more appreciated by those of us choked out by you !!! A notable one was the 'Hot Rod' himself, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. LeBell is also a writer and has penned a dozen books on martial arts. Humbled to be 1 of many. 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. Few will live a life as extraordinary as Gene LeBell has. He was seen in Rousey's corner during matches and celebrated her victories with her. Ya big goofball!!! 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. 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. You are an inspiration!! He is a two time AAU National Judo Champion and he was a professional wrestling world heavyweight champion . [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. He was also a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge, including judging UFC 74 (Randy Couture vs. Gabriel Gonzaga) and his website judogene.com is visited by martial arts and film fans all over the globe. He has trained several notable students including Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey. 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. Gregg Smrz, So well deserved! 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. Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts, and we would get together frequently. For 89 years, few did that work better than Judo Gene LeBell. Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. 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. A long overdue, but well deserved award. As wellback in the day..i drove out to ride motos with Gene & some friends at his area in Frazier Park. Don't miss a beat. [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. From TV shows like Mission: Impossible, Batman, and Reno 911! to movies including, The Towering Inferno, RoboCop, Total Recall and Independence Day, LeBell was a go-to stunt coordinator for decades. 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. And later on, there is discussion of whether or not double-dipping is an acceptable way to eat! He went on to win the both the Heavyweight and overall champion title 1955 as well. Whats different about the Sixers this year? He taught fighters like Rowdy Roddy Piper, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey how to grapple and regularly trained Bruce Lee. 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. It must be said at this stage that . LeBell even awarded Piper a legitimate Black Belt in Judo . 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. Your positivity and generosity knows no limit. How Do We Solve This Crisis? 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. After an illustrious judo career, Gene tried his hand at professional wrestling, and actually won the heavyweight title in Amarillo, Texas. 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. Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars. I tried to get your son some work but hes always at the beach. Some of his most famous students were, Ronda Rousey, Sugar Ray Robinson,. However, Tarantino disputes this claim. A half-century ago, Pink Floyd unleashed a classic that still lingers on the Billboard charts and in college dorms to this day. 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. Matt and Craig talk Oscar tactics and more, then later end the show with a prediction about Chris Rocks live comedy special on Netflix, Rachel and Callie also talk all the Bravo news of the week, By submitting your email, you agree to our. 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. 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. (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. He was a man that no endeavor was too tall for him to accomplish, Josh Barnett said of LeBell. Michael Hughes, Thank you for being such an influence and inspiration to MANY! Neil Melanson is an American submission grappling coach. LeBell was also a judo and grappling prodigy. (Gene LeBell Biography). 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. An incredible life being rightfully recognized. Judo Gene!!! [29], LeBell was arrested, charged with, and tried for the July 1976 murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall. Lee was especially interested in exploring grappling with help from him and exchanged ideas[19] on various fighting techniques. Judo Gene LeBell the Godfather of Grappling was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywoods busiest stuntmen. Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner. Then consider checking: 100 Cummings Ctr. 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. developed adult skills by 13. Beck engaged in a great deal of pre-fight trash talk, but it was clear that he had very little knowledge of Japanese martial arts even going as far as confusing traditional judo for karate. It couldnt go to a better man. 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. [30], LeBell and Ginsburgs were former friends and business partners of Hall. He was born in Los Angeles, California. The athletic youngster tested himself with such self-imposed challenges as scaling 60-foot-high lighting stanchions to replace spent bulbs. McCarthy, veteran actress Karen Black and legendary wrestling and martial arts teacher famous for Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. 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. 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. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. 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. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. 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? A lot of fighters are broke. 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. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. The Alabama passer is one of the smallest QB prospects to be pegged as a first-round pick. 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. An agreement was reached for the match to last five rounds, each lasting three minutes. Joseph Davis, Gene is truly a genuine Good person and a great friend. judo. Congratulations, Connie P Conrad Palmisano, Congratulations Uncle Gene for receiving the lifetime award. [2] Mike Smith, Congratulations on this most deserving award for a really great guy. You can follow him on Twitter (@MoustacheClubUS) and read more of his work at www.oliverbateman.com. I wont say rest easy because we just dont see that happening with Gene. Is Golden State a sleeping giant? Awesome Steve Picerni. [12] Finally, he performed a left harai goshi in the fourth round and followed by locking a rear naked choke. 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. Its great having such a role model to look up to. 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 . Cheers! According to the Hollywood Reporter, famed stunt performer Gene LeBell died on August 9 at the age of 89. We worked out about 10 to 12 times at his place in Los Angeles Chinatown and at my place.. Karl Gotch. The back and forth match between the boxer and the grappler/judoka was an early precursor to the mixed martial arts battles that millions of fans enjoy today. Why Are American Teens So Unhappy? The Toughest Man Alive. A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. Grand Master Gi Grappling by Gokor Chivichyan. He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. 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. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. Sandra Brumfield Avo, Gene is as it has been said amongst the fight world..is the Toughest Man. Its about time!! So they said I could make good money in professional wrestling, which I did. [7] LeBell took up catch wrestling under Ed "Strangler" Lewis at age 7, and later moved to train in judo. Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. [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.
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