Gene LeBell, Hollywood Stuntman and Martial Artist, Dies at 89 - Variety 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. [citation needed], On March 23, 1991, LeBell was awarded the Honorary "Reel" Membership by the Ring of Friendship of the Cauliflower Alley Club. After winning amateur national competitions in judo, LeBell decided to make the switch to pro wrestling as it offered more lucrative earnings. After his competitive career, Gene LeBell and his brother Mike would run the National Wrestling Alliance's Los Angeles region between 1968 and 1982. You can follow him on Twitter (@MoustacheClubUS) and read more of his work at www.oliverbateman.com. 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. However, he had one last sports achievement on the horizon: an actual mixed martial arts boutsaid by some to be the first of its kind, though there were boxer-versus-wrestler antecedents in prior decadesin 1963 against middleweight boxing gatekeeper Milo Savage, whose lengthy career was winding down. [2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), The remarkable Judo Gene LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts well into his 80s. Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. The godfather of modern grappling and a legitimate tough guy in his own right, LeBell. !Thanks for the memories!! Congratulations very well deserved! He is currently 89 years old. Heffay Cadiente, Big congrats Uncle Gene! A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. Who was 'Judo' Gene LeBell? Martial artist, 89, was the - MEAWW The athletic youngster tested himself with such self-imposed challenges as scaling 60-foot-high lighting stanchions to replace spent bulbs. It is alleged that as soon as LeBell placed his arms around Seagal's neck and Seagal said "go" that LeBell choked him unconscious. "[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. 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. 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. Where Are They Now: Stuntman Gene LeBell - Variety I made very good money, and it led me into a career in stunt work.. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . LeBell authored at least twelve books, including: On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 The Life & Legend of "Judo" Gene LeBell - POST Wrestling Rick Seaman, Well Geno, they said it couldnt be done but youve done it again. At the insistence of friend and martial artist, Ed Parker, Gene LeBell accepted the challenge match and travelled to Utah to fight Beck. More embellished versions include details about Seagal defecating himself. 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. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman "Judo" Gene LeBell would have turned 90. Home | hayastanmma Love you brother congratulations! Who's The Real "Father Of MMA"? 10 Fighters More Deserving Of The (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. 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! Instead of being hit first, it was LeBell who would put Bruce Lee in a headlock and carry him around the set. Enjoyed reading about Gene Lebell? UFC news: 'Judo' Gene LeBell dead at 89; MMA community mourns Gene LeBell is currently married to Wendy LeBell whom he married in 1977. It was Beck's contention that a boxer would be able to defeat any martial artist in a fight and he put up $1000 to anyone who defeat the boxer in this challenge match. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! Mike Smith, Congratulations on this most deserving award for a really great guy. It must be said at this stage that . (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. Ron DeSantis presidential prospects, Taft football coach Jeff Kearin steps down in support of school faculty member, Baram and Tioumentsev win World Junior title hours after their coach, Todd Sand, suffers heart attack, Snow collapses roof of Goodwin and Sons, Crestlines only grocery store, Gracie Abrams behind Good Riddance message in Los Angeles sky, Tax filing deadline moves to mid-October for most Californians, Alpine Village shopkeepers get confirmation: theyre being evicted, Ex-sheriffs deputy gets 100 hours of community service for shooting hoax, $31 million goes to San Fernando Valley light-rail line and to engage community, Who will replace ex-LA councilmember Nury Martinez? Erik Stabenau, Congratulations Gene. I love you. He is highly respected by many martial artists all over the world, and has . We worked out about 10 to 12 times at his place in Los Angeles Chinatown and at my place.. 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. Roberts, Nobody in the world more respected!! August 10, 2022 11:30 am ET. An additional stipulation prevented LeBell from attempting tackles or takedowns under the waist. Gene LeBell - IMDb LeBell earned the upset win via an osaekomi. 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. [30], LeBell and Ginsburgs were former friends and business partners of Hall. Could James Harden Potentially Return to Houston After the Season? Here's an attempt to share some of those posts and tweets from the cross . His career bore that out. Way to go Uncle Gene!!! August 10, 2022 1:24pm. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. Gene LeBell was born on October 9, 1932. The two became close friends, but the actors untimely death stymied LeBells chance for future speaking parts. Previously, he was married to Eleanor Martindale between 1975 and 1976, Eileen Murillo (1960), Olga Allen between 1957 until 1959, and Midge LeBell before that. 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. R.I.P. legendary wrestler and stunt performer Gene LeBell - The A.V. Club [7][8] In return, Savage offered to wear a judogi. Gene LeBell, also known as 'Judo Gene LeBell' is best known for, you guessed it, judo. A true legend with a legacy of amazing stunt history. 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. Aloha, Brian Keaulana, Congratulations Gene! Wrestling, MMA, movie worlds pay tribute to Judo Gene LeBell 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? Cheers! 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 pink gi was inspired by a trip LeBell took to Japan where a pair of his red socks or shorts made their way into the laundry, turning his white uniform to pink. [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. In 1954, at the age of 20, Gene won the National Heavyweight Judo Championshi and the USA Overall Judo championship title. J.N. Gene's funeral will be private for immediate family only. For a time, he took on a role as "policeman" for the organization, helping to maintain order. You have definitely earned it for all your contributions to the industry. He was known by many as the Godfather of Grappling, and influenced fighters around the world. There is no one alive on this planet that deserves this Life Time Achievement Award more than you. Karl Gotch. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. Ross Clay, Gene is the most unselfish and most giving person I know. 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. Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. 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. Congratulations Gene LeBell! This match could be argued to be the first televised MMA match in history. Savanah Dawn Lilley, The one and only Uncle Gene! A industry standard, and great human being! LeBells career wasnt without controversy of its own, thoughnot long after refereeing the Ali-Inoki fight in 1976, he was arrested for his role in the murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall, whose residence contained hours of phone recordings connected to powerful local figures and even the 1972 presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. "Judo" Gene LeBell the "Godfather of Grappling" is both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywood's busiest stuntmen. [21], The popularity of this incident led LeBell to be counted in 1992 as a potential additional member of Robert Wall's controversial "Dirty Dozen," a group of martial artists willing to answer to a public challenge made by Seagal. [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. By the time he transitioned to judo in the early 1950s, LeBell had already spent untold hours in submission holds and on the receiving end of punches from boxers like the great Sugar Ray Robinson at L.A.s famous Main Street Gym. Not long after, he began training judo. In February 2005, the USJJF made him 9th dan in judo. Thank you for all you have done for those of us blessed to learn from you. Neil Melanson - Wikipedia Congratulations Uncle Gene! Congratulations! He was 89. Ed Lewis. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018). Freddy Bouceigues, No one deserves this more then you uncle Gene. He was set to compete the following day and being a Saturday evening when he received the now colored uniform, he had to compete in the pink uniform. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), AnnMaria De Mars (L), with her daughter former UFC Champion and WWE star Ronda Rousey and Rouseys daughter Po, pose for a photo 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. I tried to get your son some work but hes always at the beach. Gene LeBell had thousands of students over the years. Instructed through brutal tutorials by professional wrestlers and old-school masters, he developed adult skills by 13. Steven Seagal was a highly trained aikido expert and because of this, he would proclaim to the world that he was immune to choking. It hurt. I love you Gene and I am very proud of your accomplishments in our business. All the best! Mike Massa, Congratulations Gene!! Mickey Gilbert, Ill never forget working with Gene in Minneapolis for David Ellis. A brief google of you name brings up pages and pages of awesome stories about what youve really accomplished in so many fields. Humbled to be 1 of many. A long overdue, but well deserved award. 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. [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963. Love, Greg & Barbie Barnett, Youve been my hero my entire career. Without locking the hold, Seagal side stepped and swung his forearm backwards into his crotch. When he arrived, Gene LeBell learned that he would not be fighting Beck, but instead a much more well-known boxer in Milo Savage. So they said I could make good money in professional wrestling, which I did. LeBell has made himself the nicknames "Judo" Gene LeBell, "The Godfather of Grappling" and also "The Toughest Man Alive" for his . Norman Howell, Congratulations Gene LeBell an incredible Honor an so well deserved. He is, and always has been, a perfect example of what a professional stuntman should be and continues to teach and hand down his vast knowledge to all young and old who want to learn. I thought I was the only one. Seems like yesterday, lifes crazy like that, huh? The belt was immediately seized from the shocked Gene, which in later years would cause him to comment, Well, at least I was the champ for 12 seconds and I retired as champion. (Gene LeBell Biography), Gene went on to fight numerous opponents over the years including practitioners from other fighting arts that scoffed at Genes prowess, however they learned the hard way that Genes superb grappling skills were the real deal. Despite his martial arts credentials, LeBell did not immediately connect with wrestling audiences. Gene LeBell's most famous match was his match with boxer/wrestler Milo Savage. The Toughest Man Alive: Gene LeBell: 9780953176670: Amazon.com: Books A large frame surrounded a pink gi his signature judo uniform hung above a doorway leading to the training area. The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. Michael Nesbitt, Congratulations, judo Gene LeBell Tony Epperson, Congratulations! Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. 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. In 2004, Gene Lebell was promoted to 10th degree black belt in those arts. 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 Dies: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Who Fought Bruce Hey Gene which way to the Beach? 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. Its about time!! 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. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. Those were great times !! Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood to celebrate his storied life and remember how he touched each of them in a way only LeBell could. 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. Its about time. RIP Gene LeBell - Part II - Black Belt Magazine As a stuntman, Gene has worked on more than 1000 film and television projects during a career that has spanned over 50 years. Gary Davis, So awesome!!! 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.. Confused by William Beaudines direction, LeBell ended up being chomped by a 700-pound bear named Victor. Brad Curran June 8, 2018 Interviews. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . You may have seen his name in the credits of countless movies and television shows dating back to the late 1960's. You may have caught the "Godfather of Grappling" in one of his matches in the world of professional wrestling, you may know him as the "toughest man on the . August 10, 2022 1:24pm. Im honored to know you! Gene LeBell talks about Bruce Lee. 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. Gene LeBell was chosen for the match out of over 200 candidates. David would look at me glassy eyed and say No you dont! 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.. [29], LeBell was arrested, charged with, and tried for the July 1976 murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall. Thank you Gene for your friendship over the decades. Gene LeBell was born on October 09, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States, is Stunts, Actor, Miscellaneous Crew. Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. LeBell's longtime friend Bas Rutten first revealed the news on Facebook. His death was announced by Kellie Cunningham, his trustee and business manager, who did not. He is a two time AAU National Judo Champion and he was a professional wrestling world heavyweight champion . Martial arts legend 'Judo' Gene LeBell dies at 89 - MMA Fighting A lot of fighters are broke. Awesome Steve Picerni. He believed in me which made me believe in myself. If you saw Quentin Tarantino's . He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. Well done sir! Lance Gilbert, Gene , you are surely deserving of this achievement even though your humility wont allow you to agree with us. Over the course of this six-decade career, LeBell had a hand in training many prominent players in the entertainment, wrestling, and MMA worlds. Afterwards, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling. Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! 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. LeBell served as the inspiration for Brad Pitt's character in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.. 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LeBell's conviction for being an accessory was later overturned by the California Courts of Appeal. "[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. As wellback in the day..i drove out to ride motos with Gene & some friends at his area in Frazier Park. He is there to help you any time any where. Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell's death via Facebook, writing, "You will be greatly missed Gene, LeBell established himself as a martial artist long before he moved to Hollywood. "My . The fun motorcycle rides we used to go on out at the Pig Farm and at your mountain house. [2] He was born in Los Angeles. [7] In 1954 and 1955, while only 22 years of age, he captured both the heavyweight and overall Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships.