Oliver Lee Bateman is a journalist and sports historian who lives in Pittsburgh. Where Are They Now: Stuntman Gene LeBell - Variety August 10, 2022 1:24pm. People gather to celebrate the life of Judo Gene LeBell on what would have been his 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. Gene LeBell - Age, Bio, Faces and BirthdayGene LeBell | Profile with News, Stats, Age & Height - Sports Pundit 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. You have definitely earned it for all your contributions to the industry. This match could be argued to be the first televised MMA match in history. 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. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), The late Judo Gene LeBells 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 friends, students, family, Year after the slap, Chris Rock punches back in new special, At least 5 hurt, suspect at large in San Pedro shooting, Snowed-in Crestline residents make the best of it with volunteers, booze, San Bernardino mountain residents grow worried as they cant access medicine, supplies, Gene LeBell, iconic martial arts pioneer, dies at the age of 89, How Victor Henry found himself making his UFC debut Saturday at age 34, She will hurt you: Ronda Rousey, 24, owns it in MMA ring, UFC 199: Mauro Ranallo, Bas Rutten offer Inside MMA perspectives, UFC heavyweight Josh Barnett looks to keep climbing ranks, California Republicans give a boost to Florida Gov. Confused by William Beaudines direction, LeBell ended up being chomped by a 700-pound bear named Victor. A tribute to the late martial artist, stuntman, actor and pro wrestler Gene LeBell. The late 'Judo' Gene LeBell's 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 friends, students, family LeBell's top student, Gokor Chivichyan, held the event at his martial arts academy, remembering a . As a lifelong student of what we have come to call combat sports, still living and teaching at age 87, LeBell has become one of the world's experts. [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. 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. Norman Howell, Congratulations Gene LeBell an incredible Honor an so well deserved. Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. . LeBell, who also authored more than 12 books on martial arts that simultaneously chronicled his storied career, is survived by his wife Eleanor, children Monica and David, stepchildren Danny and Stacy, and grandchildren Daniel, Tyler and Nicholas. Grand Master Gi Grappling by Gokor Chivichyan. In February 2005, the USJJF made him 9th dan in judo. Besides being a boxer, Milo Savage also had a background in wrestling. LeBell, Gene [WorldCat Identities] His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. 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. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. Jimmy Roberts, Gene youve always told me Im the best but your THE GREATEST Love ya, Manny Perry, I owe everything to Gene. He was a man that no endeavor was too tall for him to accomplish, Josh Barnett said of LeBell. Sandra Brumfield Avo, Gene is as it has been said amongst the fight world..is the Toughest Man. Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI . Big hug and a kiss! Plus, Nadine Smith on the Agendas Behind Wrestling Documentaries. "I learned the [LeBell Lock] from a guy named Neil Melanson," Danielson told the WWE website in 2010. In June 1976, LeBell refereed the infamous boxing-versus-wrestling contest between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Tokyo, Japan. [8], After returning to the United States, LeBell competed as a heavyweight. Afterwards, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling. He will always be my Stunt Senei. 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. 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. McCarthy, veteran actress Karen Black and legendary wrestling and martial arts teacher famous for Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. Martial arts legend 'Judo' Gene LeBell dies at 89 - MMA Fighting (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. A pioneer of martial arts, he lived a long and fascinating life. 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. [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. Tanner Gill, Congrats Uncle Gene!! 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. They knew each other and worked together on the Green Hornet. LeBells top student, Gokor Chivichyan, hosted the event at his martial arts academy to celebrate the life of his mentor and close friend. This 1982 homevideo production, introduced by Chuck Norris and narrated by John Saxon, featured LeBell as a car thief and mugger who (in the prologue) accosts Mitsuru Yamashita and Budojujitsu creator Al Thomasmuch to LeBell's regret. Could Gene LeBell, the 'real life Cliff Booth', beat up Bruce Lee? 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. Its great having such a role model to look up to. A large frame surrounded a pink gi his signature judo uniform hung above a doorway leading to the training area. 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. Gene LeBell - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia [29], LeBell was arrested, charged with, and tried for the July 1976 murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall. Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts, and we would get together frequently. [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]. It goes to a great man of strength, integrity and honor. In Loving Memory of Judo Gene LeBell, 1932-2022 Extant fight footage shows a stocky LeBell, probably 60 to 70 pounds heavier than he was when he debuted in judo, cautiously circling and then struggling to throw the much smaller man, who exhibited sound wrestling defense. Gene LeBell would become involved in a challenge match proposed by boxer and writer Jim Beck to all practitioners of Japanese martial arts. Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars. "My . 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. Congratulations Gene Eric Norris, Gene LeBell is my hero and always has been. 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. He is the greatest!! Gene LeBell heard about the proclamation and decided to take Seagal up on the challenge. One thing I learned was never never mess with Gene LeBell. He was known by many as the Godfather of Grappling, and influenced fighters around the world. 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. However, no context is provided for the encounterup until the fight, Booths martial arts credentials, unlike LeBells, are completely unknown, and he defeats Lee on the feet rather than with wrestling techniques. G-E-N-E Capital-L-E-Capital-B-E-L-L. . [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. So well deserved!! Gene LeBell Dead: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Was 89 - Deadline A lot of fighters are broke. So to be a martial artist of his degree in the art of Judo is incredible; to be a pro wrestler of that level, incredible; but then to go into stunts and the motorcycle riding and the acting and everything else. After earning these titles, LeBell made the transition to professional wrestling because of the promise of better earnings in the sport. 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.. His death was announced by Kellie Cunningham, his trustee and business manager, who did not. 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. [9], Encouraged by Ed Parker,[8] LeBell accepted the challenge and travelled to Salt Lake City to meet Beck. He was highly respected by many martial artists all over the world, and has been considered a ground breaker in many aspects of the art of grappling. I have grown up idolizing many of the SU members over the yearsGenes massive career and list of credits is insane. Its about time. August 18 | 2022. blackbeltmag.com. Gene LeBell died in his sleep on August 9 th 22, at age 89, two months to the day shy of his 90 th birthday. 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 . 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. He was known by many as the "Godfather of Grappling," and influenced fighters around the world. LeBell is said to have placed his arms around Seagal's neck, and once Seagal said "go", proceeded to choke him unconscious, with Seagal losing control of his bowels. Gene LeBell reflects on 50th anniversary of first major American mixed Why Gene LeBell's Life Is Like A Movie - TWM+: Sports, Entertainment 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.. In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him 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. At four months old (April 1941), the Lee family returned to Hong Kong. Judo Gene LeBell the Godfather of Grappling was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywoods busiest stuntmen. What Really Happened When Bruce Lee Met Gene LeBell The Toughest Man Alive. So they said I could make good money in professional wrestling, which I did. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), The remarkable Judo Gene LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts well into his 80s. Judo is wrestling with handles, he told Black Belt magazine in 1994. 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. Plus, does starting Tyrese Maxey versus DeAnthony Melton make a difference on the defensive end? 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. [31], On August 9, 2022, LeBell died in his sleep.[32][33]. In return, the boxer's camp agreed that he would wear a Judo Gi or uniform, although he ultimately wore a Karate Gi which fit much tighter and was more difficult to grab onto. There he found quick success. He was seen in Rousey's corner during matches and celebrated her victories with her. A long overdue, but well deserved award. (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. Will Bowman, Well deserved! 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. Sugar Ray Robinson. Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. 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. For 89 years, few did that work better than Judo Gene LeBell. All the best! Most of his notoriety came after the release of his biggest film, Enter the Dragon, that same year. [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. 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. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. He went on to win the both the Heavyweight and overall champion title 1955 as well. developed adult skills by 13. LeBell later mentored world-class athletes and silver screen legends. 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. (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. At the insistence of friend and martial artist, Ed Parker, Gene LeBell accepted the challenge match and travelled to Utah to fight Beck. 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. Some of his most famous students were, Ronda Rousey, Sugar Ray Robinson,. Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! LeBell was selected from over 200 other applicants to referee the bout. Youre not only a legend to me but a great, great friend. Gene has trained with numerous other world champion martial artists includingChuck Norris,Bill Wallace, andBenny Urquidez. With respect, Missy OMalley-Reynolds, Uncle Gene, Thanks for never burning our house down. [7][8] In return, Savage offered to wear a judogi. We love him! LeBells roots in combat sports ran deep. Challenge coins, decorated with an image of LeBell, were sold for donations, which raised more than $2,000. 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.
