OSU! A notable one was the 'Hot Rod' himself, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. In addition to Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, LeBell also tutored the likes of Roddy Piper (who claimed in his autobiography to have received a black belt in judo from LeBell, though this is likely as spurious as the impossible-to-verify Golden Gloves championship he was sometimes reported as having won), Olympic bronze medalist judoka and future UFC and WWE star Ronda Rousey (who always cited him as an important mentor), American judo champion and instructor Gokor Chivichyan, and Chivichyans Armenian American judo student Karo Parisyan, one of the first notable judo practitioners in the UFC. And Thank You for all those Decals and Patches you sent Charlotte and I each Christmas. So happy for you. 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. Ill toast you from Texas! Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. (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. (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. The fun motorcycle rides we used to go on out at the Pig Farm and at your mountain house. Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! (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. To quote C.S. Norman Howell, Congratulations Gene LeBell an incredible Honor an so well deserved. Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars. After his mother remarried, LeBell was raised near L.A.s old Olympic Auditorium. Michael Hilow, Congratulations to the prettiest man in Hollywood, and the reason the phrase Bad Ass was created.. No one is more deserving than my buddy, and everyones Uncle.. Uncle Gene! 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. They shared their stories about the Toughest Man Alive and Godfather of Grapplings warmth and generosity. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. Congratulations Uncle Gene! David would look at me glassy eyed and say No you dont! [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. Savanah Dawn Lilley, The one and only Uncle Gene! A industry standard, and great human being! developed adult skills by 13. Confused by William Beaudines direction, LeBell ended up being chomped by a 700-pound bear named Victor. It is with a heavy heart that we recognize our past member and friend, Mr. Gene LeBell, has passed on. Gene LeBell talks about Bruce Lee. His mother, Aileen Eaton, promoted fights at the Olympic Auditorium and was the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of . Its great having such a role model to look up to. 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. He had spent time in Japan training at the Kodokan. Stoked I get to make it this year. It has been alleged that at some point LeBell heard about the claim and gave Seagal the opportunity to prove it. 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. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. Gene LeBell was a man who lived a full and adventurous life. Gregg Smrz, So well deserved! 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. [citation needed] In addition he also worked on the set of the Green Hornet TV show, in which he developed a friendship with Bruce Lee. Gary Davis, So awesome!!! 'The Godfather of Grappling' evolved to be a popular figure in the martial arts world after he extended to various other forms of sports, including judo and mixed martial arts. Gene LeBell was born on October 9, 1932. Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI . In the the Quentin Tarantino film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", Bruce Lee was made to look as an arrogant martial arts actor. LeBell died in his sleep early Tuesday morning at his home in Sherman Oaks, his trustee and business manager, Kellie Cunningham, told The Hollywood Reporter. Sugar Ray Robinson. Ross Clay, Gene is the most unselfish and most giving person I know. 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. He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. Mahalo Christopher Chabriel, Congratulations MEAN GENE!!! One day in. A lot of fighters are broke. He would also occasionally wrestle in a disguise as The Hangman. Plus, does starting Tyrese Maxey versus DeAnthony Melton make a difference on the defensive end? And later on, there is discussion of whether or not double-dipping is an acceptable way to eat! [8], After returning to the United States, LeBell competed as a heavyweight. Billy Robinson. 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. LeBell, preferring to let others do the talking for him, told MMA journalist Ariel Helwani in 2012 that if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it.. Proud to be your friend! As wellback in the day..i drove out to ride motos with Gene & some friends at his area in Frazier Park. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. He eventually adopted the role as "policeman" for the promotion, maintaining law and order, especially during matches involving his brother Mike LeBell. 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. [18], LeBell has worked on over 1,000 films, TV shows and commercials as a stuntman or as an actor (including multiple appearances as himself). Along with many others, speakers included Ronda Rousey, former UFC champion, WWE professional wrestler, actress and Olympic Judo medalist; Bas Rutten, former UFC Heavyweight Champion and a three-time King of Pancrase world champion; catch wrestler, former UFC Heavyweight Champion, former Openweight King of Pancrase world champion, and Bellator fighter; and AnnMaria De Mars, first American to win a gold medal at the World Judo Championships. I love you. After getting his black belt, he went to Japan to train in judo at the Kodokan. 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. Many modern-day MMA fans recognize LeBell as the one who is present in many of Rousey's early games, coaching her on. An incredible life being rightfully recognized. This is very much deserved. 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. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . This award is only given to a select few. For similar uses, see, MMA History Gene Lebell VS Milo Savage, 1963, The Godfather of Grappling (authorised biography of LeBell) by "Judo" Gene LeBell, Bob Calhoun, George Foon, and Noelle Kim. [5], LeBell has been reported as the inspiration for the character of Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. A long overdue, but well deserved award. [7][10] Savage even attempted to sweep the judoka in one instance. 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. Featuring "Judo" Gene LeBell's champion student "The Armenian Assassin" Gokor Chivichyan and friends." . 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. Martial Art: Take a wild guess.Notable Achievements: "Judo" Gene LeBell has arguably the most impressive MMA resume of anyone on this list, and 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. It is alleged that as soon as LeBell placed his arms around Seagal's neck and Seagal said "go" that LeBell choked him unconscious. [7] Despite his pedigree, he did not get over immediately with audiences but gradually became known for his martial arts background. Tanner Gill, Congrats Uncle Gene!! After an illustrious judo career, Gene tried his hand at professional wrestling, and actually won the heavyweight title in Amarillo, Texas. While men like Wagner and later Freddie Blassie and Dick the Destroyer Beyer would headline Eatons wrestling cards, the young LeBellbereft of a father figurestarted at the very bottom, learning the ropes in the hardest away imaginable, twisted into pretzels by grapplers like the aging Evan Strangler Lewis, from whom LeBell asked to learn the Stranglers signature headlock when LeBell was the tender age of 7. 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. Stuntman Gene LeBell might not have been around since Hollywood's first fist fight, but his skill has transformed the genre. LeBell is also a writer and has penned a dozen books on martial arts. 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? The boxer blocked the move, which aggravated an old shoulder injury of LeBell. Its an honor to be your student and friend. "My name is Gene LeBell. It has been an honor to work with you ,and see how much you have done, over the years. Other recordings discovered had ties to the presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. The grappling club master . Big hug and a kiss! He was known by many as the "Godfather of Grappling," and influenced fighters around the world. Steve Boyum, Absolutely couldnt go to a better candidate. 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. Lewis, Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another: What! Still, he continued to get regular stunt work on TV. You are a true living legend. Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. His second best fight was probably his back and forth battle with 80's and 90's martial arts action star Steven Seagal. August 10, 2022 11:30 am ET. At four months old (April 1941), the Lee family returned to Hong Kong. You are a true living legend! We cant have blood! Gaffer tape stanched the bleeding, and LeBell managed six more takes. 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. May we all continue to learn from you and strive to reach the heights youve reached. Congratulations my brother!!! 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. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. LeBell served as the referee for the exhibition match between world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki on June 26, 1976, at . 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. In any case, LeBell was back to work in the movies almost immediately, adding to the movie residuals and Screen Actors Guildbacked retirement that sustained him in his later years. [30], LeBell and Ginsburgs were former friends and business partners of Hall. "The great Gene Lebell, toughest man I know, has passed away and left us at the age of 89," Rutten wrote. Best to You Gene !! I have grown up idolizing many of the SU members over the yearsGenes massive career and list of credits is insane. Congratulations Gene LeBell! Steven Seagal was a highly trained aikido expert and because of this, he would proclaim to the world that he was immune to choking. "[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. In June of 1976, LeBell served as the referee during the infamous boxing versus wrestling match between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Japan. Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner. [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. Love ya !!! Interview with Gene LeBell. Lance Gilbert, Gene , you are surely deserving of this achievement even though your humility wont allow you to agree with us. In 1954, at the age of 20, Gene won the National Heavyweight Judo Championshi and the USA Overall Judo championship title. 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. 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. LeBell recalled in his 2005 autobiography, The Godfather of Grappling meeting Lee on the set of The Green Hornet TV series. His talent in his field was known worldwide and those that got to know him knew he had a heart that matched that talent, the groups statement added. AEW Revolution Preview, and Whats Going on With Brock, Bray, Bobby, and Omos? [13] He also continued to work in professional wrestling intermittently, wrestling his final match on August 29, 1981, against Peter Maivia for NWA Hollywood Wrestling. Sandra Brumfield Avo, Gene is as it has been said amongst the fight world..is the Toughest Man. LeBell has made himself the nicknames "Judo" Gene LeBell, "The Godfather of Grappling" and also "The Toughest Man Alive" for his . His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. He also had 8 grandchildren. Ronnie and Mary Rondell, Congratulations Uncle Gene! Mal, Jo, and Ben get together to talk about where the Mandalorian people are, what adventure awaits Din and Grogu, and much more. It goes to a great man of strength, integrity and honor. The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode 1 Deep Dive, The Biggest Questions About the Seasons Stretch Run, KDs Suns Debut, Load Management, and Five-Year Anniversary of the Rockets-Clippers Tunnel Debacle. Mr. LeBell died on Aug. 9 at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles. Michael Hughes, Thank you for being such an influence and inspiration to MANY! [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. 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. 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. However, in his excitement Gene swung the title belt around his head, which accidentally hit one of the wrestling commissioners on the head, causing a nasty gash. Please enter a valid email and try again. Congratulations & we all love you. 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. 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. Its about time!! He repeated this dominant performance in 1955, winning all but one of his 18 matches solely with standing throws. Gene LeBell is currently married to Wendy LeBell whom he married in 1977. Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. (Gene LeBell Biography). He was born there on November 27, 1940, making him a dual Hong Kong and United States citizen by birth. Almost everyone present to honor him wore a Gene LeBell tee-shirt, and his widow Midge sported a sweater covered in patches that LeBell made over the years to give out to fans for souvenirs. One thing I learned was never never mess with Gene LeBell. Gene has trained with numerous other world champion martial artists includingChuck Norris,Bill Wallace, andBenny Urquidez. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. I am so glad I was there Live to see it ! 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. [7][8] In return, Savage offered to wear a judogi. Could James Harden Potentially Return to Houston After the Season? The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. [2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books. judo. Congratulations brother Gene!!! 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. The loss by the hometown boxer nearly caused a riot to breakout and despite the promotions attempt to calm the violence, Gene LeBell was nearly stabbed on the way out of the venue. There is no one alive on this planet that deserves this Life Time Achievement Award more than you. Gene is survived by his wife Midge, his children Monica and David; stepchildren Danny and Stacey; and grandchildren Daniel, Tyler and Nicholas.

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