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. Roddy Piper. Gene LeBell was chosen for the match out of over 200 candidates. Lance Gilbert, Gene , you are surely deserving of this achievement even though your humility wont allow you to agree with us. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. Muhammad Ali. Hardcover - January 1, 2004. LeBell has made himself the nicknames "Judo" Gene LeBell, "The Godfather of Grappling" and also "The Toughest Man Alive" for his . The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. You can follow him on Twitter (@MoustacheClubUS) and read more of his work at www.oliverbateman.com. Melanson specializes in catch wrestling, while drawing elements from judo, and focuses his coaching specifically on grappling in mixed martial arts.He is especially known for his guard work, leg locks and triangle chokes. 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. Could James Harden Potentially Return to Houston After the Season? 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. In 1994, LeBell counted kickboxing champion Benny Urquidez and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners the Machado brothers among his training partners. Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI agent daughter Monica LeBell Pandis. One day in. 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. American judoka and martial arts instructor (19322022), "The Hangman (wrestler)" redirects here. Logan Holladay, Congratulations to Uncle Gene for a lifetime of stunts and terrorizing the stunt people; either riding dirt bikes or putting them to sleep. [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963. The program featured several other martial artists including Graciela Casilas, Karen Sheperd, Victor Ledbetter, Steve Sanders, brothers Benny and Reuben Urquidez, and Dave Vaden. "The great Gene Lebell, toughest man I know, has passed away and left us at the age of 89," Rutten wrote. Freddy Bouceigues, No one deserves this more then you uncle Gene. LeBell later mentored world-class athletes and silver screen legends. Cheers! Your positivity and generosity knows no limit. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! So happy for you. Heavyweight and Overall Judo Championships in 1954, and again in 1955 - long before Judo became an Olympic sport and was broadly appreciated in the western world. 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. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. He was 89. Gene was an actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions for over fifty years with more than 150 acting credits and 250 stunt credits. The seeds that Gene LeBell helped plant have grown into the modern landscape of mixed martial arts that we know today. Gene, I appreciate the things youve accomplished in life, and acknowledge your generosity to those you have helped to achieve theirs. [30], LeBell and Ginsburgs were former friends and business partners of Hall. Mike Smith, Congratulations on this most deserving award for a really great guy. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. [2] 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. [citation needed], While serving as stunt coordinator for the film Out for Justice, starring Steven Seagal, Seagal stated that due to his aikido training he was 'immune' to being choked unconscious. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . LeBell accompanied Ronda Rousey to the cage for some of her MMA matches in recent years, and served as a MMA judge through 2018. He is highly respected by many martial artists all over the world, and has . 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. The boxer blocked the move, which aggravated an old shoulder injury of LeBell. Not long after, he began training judo. It couldnt go to a better man. LeBells roots in combat sports ran deep. As soon as he landed, LeBell used a foot sweep to sweep Seagal off the floor, with Seagal landing on his back. Chuck & Charlotte Waters, Special man and amazing human being, so deserving of this recognition. If you saw Quentin Tarantino's . Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. I was always jealous that you could ride a wheelie so much better than me. developed adult skills by 13. The godfather of modern grappling and a legitimate tough guy in his own right, LeBell. It has been an honor to work with you ,and see how much you have done, over the years. Grand Master Gi Grappling by Gokor Chivichyan. He is the greatest!! Tim Gilbert, This tribute is well deserved. Bruce Lee. A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. . He eventually adopted the role as "policeman" for the promotion, maintaining law and order, especially during matches involving his brother Mike LeBell. At 12 LeBell took up judo. And later on, there is discussion of whether or not double-dipping is an acceptable way to eat! A brief google of you name brings up pages and pages of awesome stories about what youve really accomplished in so many fields. 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. The Alabama passer is one of the smallest QB prospects to be pegged as a first-round pick. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), The remarkable Judo Gene LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts well into his 80s. Congrats to the amazing living legend John Stoneham, Jr. Congratulations Gene, you know I love you, and Im so very very proud of you. 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. Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. His very first match was against John Osako, one of the highest ranked judokas at the national level. 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). All my love and respect Pat Romano, Ya ya Uncle Gene , to one of the Gilberts favorite people . After an illustrious judo career, Gene tried his hand at professional wrestling, and actually won the heavyweight title in Amarillo, Texas. 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. [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. [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. 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. Congratulations Gene. Bottles, chairs, and other debris were thrown into the ring. You don't earn the nickname 'Judo' without knowing a thing or two about combat; just ask Steven Seagal. Andy Gill, Congratulations Gene !!! 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 . LeBell established himself as a martial artist long before he moved to Hollywood. Congratulations & we all love you. I wont say rest easy because we just dont see that happening with Gene. LeBell's longtime friend Bas Rutten first revealed the news on Facebook. Gene LeBell would become involved in a challenge match proposed by boxer and writer Jim Beck to all practitioners of Japanese martial arts. Ross Clay, Gene is the most unselfish and most giving person I know. Blessed if you know him, crazy fun guy. [7][8] In return, Savage offered to wear a judogi. Karl Gotch. Weve worked together for over (50) years and its been (50) years of pure delight. It was LeBells first movieland lesson: Always let the star win. Mickey Gilbert, Ill never forget working with Gene in Minneapolis for David Ellis. It was agreed that the match would last five 3 three minute rounds. FLASH SALE - Buy 1 video get 40% OFF - COUPON40, Buy 2 videos get 43% OFF - COUPON43, Buy 3 or more videos get 45% OFF - COUPON45. Mike Bohn. !Thanks for the memories!! We are all so proud of you, youre a legend. 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. Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. Unfortunately, Bruce Lee passed away a few years later in 1973. So well deserved!! 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. You have given so much to our community and film business! He began training catch wrestling at age 7 with Ed "The Strangler" Lewis. 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. Even more appreciated by those of us choked out by you !!! He was seen in Rousey's corner during matches and celebrated her victories with her. Heffay Cadiente, Big congrats Uncle Gene! On August 7, 2004, the World Martial Arts Masters Association promoted him to 10th degree. 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. Lee was especially interested in exploring grappling with help from him and exchanged ideas[19] on various fighting techniques. 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. 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. Gene LeBell heard about the proclamation and decided to take Seagal up on the challenge. Congratulations Uncle Gene! Gene LeBell's most famous match was his match with boxer/wrestler Milo Savage. There is no one alive on this planet that deserves this Life Time Achievement Award more than you. [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. Youve not only accomplished a great name in our industry but many,many brothers and sister stunt people that admire and love you very much. He is there to help you any time any where. He popularized grappling in pro-fighting circles and had a famous run-in with Steven Seagal. Grand Master Leg Locks by Gokor Chivichyan. 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. Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. With love and affection, Sandy Gimpel, Congrats on your big nite!! [7] According to fellow BJJ artist Royce Gracie, LeBell was invited to compete in Ultimate Fighting Championship in early 1995, after Gracie stopped participating in its tournaments. As a stuntman, Gene has worked on more than 1000 film and television projects during a career that has spanned over 50 years. I had a 2-stroke so i had to unload at an area specifiedthe 4-strokes rode the streets to the mountains and riding area.As i was driving my bike in my pick-up.Gene passed me standing on the seat of his XR doin a wheelieGene is an Amazing man.Open arms.. to a choke-out! [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. While working with rising martial arts star Bruce Lee on the set of The Green Hornet, LeBell was instructed by the stunt coordinator to subdue the actorwho was said to be terrorizing the stuntman for a particular sceneand did so by quickly grabbing Lee in a firemans carry and running around the set with him. You too? Challenge coins, decorated with an image of LeBell, were sold for donations, which raised more than $2,000. Few will live a life as extraordinary as Gene LeBell has. For a time, he took on a role as "policeman" for the organization, helping to maintain order. LeBell came off the floor by a few feet. August 18 | 2022. blackbeltmag.com. (Gene LeBell Biography). If I have seen further it has been by standing on the shoulders of giants like you!! [7] LeBell took up catch wrestling under Ed "Strangler" Lewis at age 7, and later moved to train in judo. He was known by many as the Godfather of Grappling, and influenced fighters around the world. Congratulations brother Gene!!! Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. Savanah Dawn Lilley, The one and only Uncle Gene! A industry standard, and great human being! LeBell served as the inspiration for Brad Pitt's character in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.. 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.. Brad Curran June 8, 2018 Interviews. Ivan "Judo" Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. August 10, 2022 11:30 am ET. The toughest man alive by Gene LeBell . On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman Judo Gene LeBell would have turned 90. To this day you are still teaching and sharing your wealth of knowledge with the next generation! Love ya, Buddy Joe Hooker, My dear friend Gene. In the stunt world, I get a pretty doggone good retirement from SAG and AFTRAand I can still work.. [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. Mary Karcz, Hi Gene, Id just like to Congratulate you on your receiving the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. Influential combat sports icon "Judo" Gene LeBell has died at 89. 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 . Voters will soon get a say, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Judo Gene!!! Billy Robinson. LeBell even awarded Piper a legitimate Black Belt in Judo . Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars. "LeBell parlayed his pain-inducing skills into careers in martial arts, professional wrestling and Hollywood stunt work, making him the ultimate a**-kicking Renaissance man. LeBells top student, Gokor Chivichyan, hosted the event at his martial arts academy to celebrate the life of his mentor and close friend. Youre not only a legend to me but a great, great friend. 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. Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. Big hug and a kiss! 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. I thought I was the only one. Seems like yesterday, lifes crazy like that, huh? LeBell is also a writer and has penned a dozen books on martial arts. [8] Gene also wrestled under a black mask as The Hangman, teaming up with Roy Staggs. The Toughest Man Alive. Steve Boyum, Absolutely couldnt go to a better candidate. "[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. Instructed through brutal tutorials by professional wrestlers and old-school masters, he developed adult skills by 13. "[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. Oliver Lee Bateman is a journalist and sports historian who lives in Pittsburgh. Stoked I get to make it this year. 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. And Thank You for all those Decals and Patches you sent Charlotte and I each Christmas. I love ya man. Along the way, his list of big-name collaborators, students, and opponents became as packed as his CV; in addition to Lee, . Please enter a valid email and try again. Besides being a boxer, Milo Savage also had a background in wrestling. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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. How Do We Solve This Crisis? 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!