It wasnt exactly an elite-level boxer facing down a grappler, but it did offer a variation on the Ultimate Fighting Championship model that LeBells long-time acquaintances, the Gracie family, would partner with Bob Meyrowitz to launch in 1993right down to the initial audience confusion and cautious feeling-out process between the athletes. (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. In the the Quentin Tarantino film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", Bruce Lee was made to look as an arrogant martial arts actor. Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. 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.. 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. May we all continue to learn from you and strive to reach the heights youve reached. Tough Guys Wear Pink in Any Color, Judo Master and Film Stuntman Gene Part of HuffPost Entertainment. Present-day UFC fans probably best remember him from his time spent wielding a stopwatch in the corner of his protege, Ronda Rousey, while wrestling fans might know his name from when Daniel Bryan used to call his finisher the LeBell Lock. But despite that, the MMA pioneer isnt a household name, which is a shame, because if youre a fan of combat sports, he absolutely should be. We worked out about 10 to 12 times at his place in Los Angeles Chinatown and at my place.. 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.. 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. He popularized grappling in pro-fighting circles and had a famous run-in with Steven Seagal. In February 2005, the USJJF made him 9th dan in judo. For 89 years, few did that work better than Judo Gene LeBell. [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". Congratulations Uncle Gene! Bottles, chairs, and other debris were thrown into the ring. The Toughest Man Alive: Gene LeBell: 9780953176670: Amazon.com: Books You have been a legend for over 60 years and Im honored each month that I get to see you!!!! Scott Wilder, Thank you Sensei for paving the way for martial artists in this biz! Sat 9th Apr 2022 19.30 BST. 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 was a man who lived a full and adventurous life. Gene LeBell - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia #246C,Beverly, MA 01915,United States. Former stuntman, wrestling promoter Gene LeBell dead at 89 Norman Howell, Congratulations Gene LeBell an incredible Honor an so well deserved. He is the greatest!! if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it. (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. As wellback in the day..i drove out to ride motos with Gene & some friends at his area in Frazier Park. I love ya man. Chuck & Charlotte Waters, Special man and amazing human being, so deserving of this recognition. He is a two time AAU National Judo Champion and he was a professional wrestling world heavyweight champion . Meet the real life Cliff Booth from 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood', "Gene LeBell vs Milo Savage: Gene LeBell Saved Martial Arts", "Matches Gene LeBell Wrestlers Database CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database", "TOUGH GUYS WEAR PINK IN ANY COLOR, JUDO MASTER AND FILM STUNTMAN GENE LEBELL IS ONE HARD HOMBRE", Gene LeBell talks Steven Seagal s-ing himself, https://www.mmafighting.com/strikeforce/2012/3/11/2858055/judo-gene-lebell-ronda-rousey-mma-judging-choking-out-steven-segal, Steven Seagal denies Gene LeBell made him poop his pants, "Ronda Rousey: 'If Steven Seagal says anything about Gene LeBell to my face, I'll make him crap his pants', "Truth Finally Revealed on Seagal and LeBell According to Actual Eyewitness Steven Lambert Testimony! Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. Gene LeBell Passes Away At Age 89 - Ringside News Along the way, his list of big-name collaborators, students, and opponents became as packed as his CV; in addition to Lee, . 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. You have definitely earned it for all your contributions to the industry. [8] Gene also wrestled under a black mask as The Hangman, teaming up with Roy Staggs. Lee was especially interested in exploring grappling with help from him and exchanged ideas[19] on various fighting techniques. Aloha, Brian Keaulana, Congratulations Gene! Heffay Cadiente, Big congrats Uncle Gene! Gene LeBell - Age, Bio, Faces and Birthday 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. Along the way, he trained scores of future greats in a variety of disciplines, from Rowdy Roddy Piper in wrestling to Rowdy Ronda Rousey in judo (she, too, eventually wound up in the wrestling business), and even managed to extricate himself from being convicted in the 1976 murder of a private detective who had been digging up dirt on a host of California notables. Ivan Judo Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. 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. This award is only given to a select few. Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. He began training catch wrestling at age 7 with Ed "The Strangler" Lewis. LeBell was the third man inside the ring of one of the most famous matches in Japanese history and one that had worldwide attention. His second best fight was probably his back and forth battle with 80's and 90's martial arts action star Steven Seagal. 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. Gene LeBell would become involved in a challenge match proposed by boxer and writer Jim Beck to all practitioners of Japanese martial arts. AEW Revolution Preview, and Whats Going on With Brock, Bray, Bobby, and Omos? LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Famous wrestler, Martial artist Ivan Gene LeBell better known as Gene LeBell, passes away at 89. Brad Curran June 8, 2018 Interviews. We cant have blood! Gaffer tape stanched the bleeding, and LeBell managed six more takes. He was born there on November 27, 1940, making him a dual Hong Kong and United States citizen by birth. Martial arts legend 'Judo' Gene LeBell dies at 89 - MMA Fighting LeBells Rolodex is not just one hall of fame roster, but multiple, as hes played integral roles in the worlds of boxing, judo, wrestling, and Hollywood stunt-work. LeBell was 89 years old. OSU! 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 was a man that no endeavor was too tall for him to accomplish, Josh Barnett said of LeBell. Few will live a life as extraordinary as Gene LeBell has. AEW, Triple H & WWE acknowledged LeBell's influence. 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. There he found quick success. 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. The Life & Times of Gene LeBell - Black Belt Magazine It was a fascinating collection of people mourning too, from the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts, acting, and beyond. A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. You too? Love ya, Bax Craig Baxley, Sr. Gene LeBell: Bruce Lee in the UFC, Ronda Rousey, if anybody can beat her, Judo in MMA, Jimmy Kimmel, Congratulations Gene..its about time!!! [7] Despite his pedigree, he did not get over immediately with audiences but gradually became known for his martial arts background. Ronda Rousey, Bryan Danielson, and many more idolized the . 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 He would also occasionally wrestle in a disguise as The Hangman. As soon as he landed, LeBell used a foot sweep to sweep Seagal off the floor, with Seagal landing on his back. David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! [7][8] In return, Savage offered to wear a judogi. In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him to 9th Dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. 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. 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. G-E-N-E Capital-L-E-Capital-B-E-L-L. . Gene LeBell Record, Net Worth, Weight, Age & More. Osu J.J. Perry, Gene, Ill never forget the time on set, when you let me try and choke you out. 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. At the insistence of friend and martial artist, Ed Parker, Gene LeBell accepted the challenge match and travelled to Utah to fight Beck. He was born in Los Angeles, California. Gene is survived by his wife Midge, his children Monica and David; stepchildren Danny and Stacey; and grandchildren Daniel, Tyler and Nicholas. Home | hayastanmma Gene LeBell | Profile with News, Stats, Age & Height - Sports Pundit Bob Debbie Hennessey, Congrats Gene. [20], LeBell is associated with Gokor Chivichyan's Hayastan MMA Academy where he taught grappling classes. LeBell has worked on over 1000 TV Show and Film projects. Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. Weve worked together for over (50) years and its been (50) years of pure delight. Joseph Davis, Gene is truly a genuine Good person and a great friend. Its about time. (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 are all so proud of you, youre a legend. And Thank You for all those Decals and Patches you sent Charlotte and I each Christmas. On August 7, 2004, the World Martial Arts Masters Association promoted him to 10th degree. [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. After his mother remarried, LeBell was raised near L.A.s old Olympic Auditorium. The boxer blocked the move, which aggravated an old shoulder injury of LeBell. Gene LeBell, iconic martial arts pioneer, dies at the age of 89 - Daily Without locking the hold, Seagal side stepped and swung his forearm backwards into his crotch. A long overdue, but well deserved award. [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. Well done sir! Gene LeBell would ultimately choke his opponent unconscious after a tentative start to the match. UFC news: 'Judo' Gene LeBell dead at 89; MMA community mourns 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. Legend Gene LeBell's Life Is Set To Be Made Into A Book And Film You are a true living legend! The Toughest Man Alive. To his surprise, he learned his opponent would not be Beck but a higher regarded boxer, Milo Savage, who also had a background in amateur wrestling. Stuntman Gene LeBell might not have been around since Hollywood's first fist fight, but his skill has transformed the genre. Im honored to know you! He eventually adopted the role as "policeman" for the promotion, maintaining law and order, especially during matches involving his brother Mike LeBell. He repeated this dominant performance in 1955, winning all but one of his 18 matches solely with standing throws. RIP Gene LeBell - Part II. Gene LeBell was chosen for the match out of over 200 candidates. Gene LeBell - Biography - IMDb While working at the stunt coordinator for Seagal's film Out for Justice, the two of them met to test Seagal's statement. Ed Lewis. He worked in. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. 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. judo. I was told that all the judo and karate people were not making any money at that time; they were starving, LeBell recalled in that interview. Mike Massa, Congratulations Gene!! 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. It has been an honor to work with you ,and see how much you have done, over the years. Steven Seagal was a highly trained aikido expert and because of this, he would proclaim to the world that he was immune to choking. He was 89. One thing I learned was never never mess with Gene LeBell. If you saw Quentin Tarantino's . It always put a smile on my face when you would call the SAMP office. Bruce Lee.
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