#246C,Beverly, MA 01915,United States. BJJ Fanatics was started by a pair of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts who know that nothing is more important for a fellow fanatic than their time on the mat. On August 7, 2004, the World Martial Arts Masters Association promoted him to 10th degree. God bless. [7], LeBell was requested to confirm the story publicly in an interview with Ariel Helwani in 2012, but he avoided answering the question, albeit implying that the incident was true.
When I first came to town in 1987, I remember trying to get my hands on one those Stunt Rate breakdown cards you used to make. G-E-N-E Capital-L-E-Capital-B-E-L-L. . 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. [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963. God Bless you Gene and your lovely wife and thanks you for all the things you taught me. He won the Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships in 1954 and 1955 when he was 22, according to Black Belt Magazine. 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. Mahalo Christopher Chabriel, Congratulations MEAN GENE!!! Enjoyed reading about Gene Lebell? Michael Hughes, Thank you for being such an influence and inspiration to MANY! Grand Master Gi Grappling by Gokor Chivichyan. You always tried to get me to go dirt biking with you but I never gave in. Karl Gotch. 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 . 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. 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. 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. A long overdue, but well deserved award. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), A fight scene on the sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet earned LeBell his SAG card. Scott Wilder, Thank you Sensei for paving the way for martial artists in this biz! Other recordings discovered had ties to the presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. 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. LeBell's students included AnnMaria De Mars, the first American to ever win a gold medal at the World Judo Championships in 1984, and De Mars' daughter, Ronda Rousey, who became the first. LeBell even awarded Piper a legitimate Black Belt in Judo . Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! After getting his black belt, he went to Japan to train in judo at the Kodokan. Long overdue! All my love and respect Pat Romano, Ya ya Uncle Gene , to one of the Gilberts favorite people . [7] Despite his pedigree, he did not get over immediately with audiences but gradually became known for his martial arts background. So happy for you.
UFC news: 'Judo' Gene LeBell dead at 89; MMA community mourns Judo Gene LeBell the Godfather of Grappling was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywoods busiest stuntmen. LeBell passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, just two months shy of being a nonagenarian. 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. I wont say rest easy because we just dont see that happening with Gene. Beck claimed that a boxer could defeat any martial artist in a straight fight and offered $1000 to anyone who could prove otherwise. Gene LeBell had thousands of students over the years. The grappling club master . LeBell served as the referee for the exhibition match between world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki on June 26, 1976, at . Gene LeBell, also known as 'Judo Gene LeBell' is best known for, you guessed it, judo. Congratulations Uncle Gene! I have ridden on the back of his bike for one of his marathon wheelies.Pine Mtn Club so much fun. The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. It is with a heavy heart that we recognize our past member and friend, Mr. Gene LeBell, has passed on. He eventually adopted the role as "policeman" for the promotion, maintaining law and order, especially during matches involving his brother Mike 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. He will always be my Stunt Senei. David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! Eager to claim the $1,000 purseId fight my grandmother for $1,000, but shed have beaten me, LeBell saidthe judoka found himself facing not Beck but Savage, who not only was an accomplished professional boxer but a man with a solid knowledge of wrestling fundamentals. Besides being a boxer, Milo Savage also had a background in wrestling. [31], On August 9, 2022, LeBell died in his sleep.[32][33]. 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. !Thanks for the memories!! Thank you Gene for your friendship over the decades. [2] He was born in Los Angeles. 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. Ivan Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler. Is Golden State a sleeping giant? McCarthy, veteran actress Karen Black and legendary wrestling and martial arts teacher famous for Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. He repeated this dominant performance in 1955, winning all but one of his 18 matches solely with standing throws. Michael Nesbitt, Congratulations, judo Gene LeBell Tony Epperson, Congratulations!
What Really Happened When Bruce Lee Met Gene LeBell [27] He also did interviews for magazines, newspapers, and radio.
Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 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. 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 . LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts in his 70s. [8], After returning to the United States, LeBell competed as a heavyweight. "[24], Seagal bodyguard and stuntman Steven Lambert, stated he was present and said that a confrontation did happen. In the stunt world, I get a pretty doggone good retirement from SAG and AFTRAand I can still work.. His second best fight was probably his back and forth battle with 80's and 90's martial arts action star Steven Seagal. 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. Norman Howell, Congratulations Gene LeBell an incredible Honor an so well deserved. "[22] After being asked whether he was not going to directly confirm it, LeBell said: "Well, if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it. Bruce Lee. 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. So they said I could make good money in professional wrestling, which I did. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, especially us. Whats different about the Sixers this year? 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.
RIP Gene LeBell - Part II - Black Belt Magazine You are an inspiration!! 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. 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. LeBell was selected from over 200 other applicants to referee the bout. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG). Big hug and a kiss! LeBell was the third man inside the ring of one of the most famous matches in Japanese history and one that had worldwide attention. This scene is loosely based on world class Judoka Gene LeBell . 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. Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. (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. Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. Freddie Blassie. Ya big goofball!!! [8], In 1963, LeBell became involved with a challenge by boxer and writer Jim Beck to the practitioners of Japanese martial arts. It was agreed that the match would last five 3 three minute rounds. Heffay Cadiente, Big congrats Uncle Gene! 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. Wear this Award well my friend. Confused by William Beaudines direction, LeBell ended up being chomped by a 700-pound bear named Victor. 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. Being 63 years old, LeBell declined to compete or to send a representative, instead suggesting a match against Royce's 82-year-old father, the renowned Hlio Gracie. Gene LeBell was born on October 09, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States, is Stunts, Actor, Miscellaneous Crew. 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.
The legendary story of Steven Seagal and 'Judo' Gene Lebell It has been an honor to work with you ,and see how much you have done, over the years. Its an honor to be your student and friend. In June 1976, LeBell refereed the infamous boxing-versus-wrestling contest between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Tokyo, Japan. There is no one alive on this planet that deserves this Life Time Achievement Award more than you. Black Belt EXCLUSIVE. However, Tarantino disputes this claim. It goes to a great man of strength, integrity and honor. Congratulations, Connie P Conrad Palmisano, Congratulations Uncle Gene for receiving the lifetime award. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. David would look at me glassy eyed and say No you dont! In addition to spending extensive time in the world of . [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. [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". Muhammad Ali. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. You deserve every bit of it! Lewis, Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another: What! Hey Gene which way to the Beach?
LeBell, Gene [WorldCat Identities] The Toughest Man Alive: Gene LeBell: 9780953176670: Amazon.com: Books His mother, Aileen Eaton, promoted fights at the Olympic Auditorium and was the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of . 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. Without locking the hold, Seagal side stepped and swung his forearm backwards into his crotch.
LeBell later mentored world-class athletes and silver screen legends. Jimmy Roberts, Gene youve always told me Im the best but your THE GREATEST Love ya, Manny Perry, I owe everything to Gene. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), Gene started training in judo at a young age, and at the age of 20 in 1954, he won National AAU Heavyweight Judo Championship and the USA Overall Judo Championship title. 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. Contents Roddy Piper Talks MMA and Judo Gene LeBell
Gene LeBell Record, Net Worth, Weight, Age & More! Afterwards, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling. thank you so much for all the encouragement over all these decades . Cheers!
Gene LeBell - IMDb When he arrived, Gene LeBell learned that he would not be fighting Beck, but instead a much more well-known boxer in Milo Savage. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! Congratulations & we all love you. Neil Melanson is an American submission grappling coach. Sat 9th Apr 2022 19.30 BST. The boxer blocked the move, which aggravated an old shoulder injury of LeBell. Gene, I appreciate the things youve accomplished in life, and acknowledge your generosity to those you have helped to achieve theirs. After his mother remarried, LeBell was raised near L.A.s old Olympic Auditorium. 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. (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. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. Well deserved my friend, and sensei! 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. 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 tributes for "Judo" Gene LeBell, who died on August 9, 2022, at age 89, poured in after news of his passing starting circulating. Lance Gilbert, Gene , you are surely deserving of this achievement even though your humility wont allow you to agree with us. His first match would be against the highly ranked judoka John Osako. Gary Goltz. Ivan Judo Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. "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. 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. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Famous wrestler, Martial artist Ivan Gene LeBell better known as Gene LeBell, passes away at 89. LeBells roots in combat sports ran deep. LeBell is also a writer and has penned a dozen books on martial arts. 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. He was known by many as the Godfather of Grappling, and influenced fighters around the world. Gene taught my three sons how to take every day life in the training under Gene. Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. On the day of the match, Savage appeared wearing a karategi instead, much tighter and harder to grab. The Toughest Man Alive. He was born there on November 27, 1940, making him a dual Hong Kong and United States citizen by birth. 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. Love ya, Buddy Joe Hooker, My dear friend Gene.
The Life & Times of Gene LeBell - Black Belt Magazine Love ya !!! You are a true living legend! I was always jealous that you could ride a wheelie so much better than me. 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. [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]. At Hayastan MMA Academy, the focus is to teach our students a variety of Martial Art disciplines - We specialize in Judo, Sambo, Wrestling, Gi and No Gi Grappling, Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA. Freddy Bouceigues, No one deserves this more then you uncle Gene.
Gene LeBell Dies: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Who Fought Bruce 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. Its about time!! "The great Gene Lebell, toughest man I know, has passed away and left us at the age of 89," Rutten wrote. 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.