Most of his notoriety came after the release of his biggest film, Enter the Dragon, that same year. It is alleged that as soon as LeBell placed his arms around Seagal's neck and Seagal said "go" that LeBell choked him unconscious. Influential combat sports icon "Judo" Gene LeBell has died at 89. We cant have blood! Gaffer tape stanched the bleeding, and LeBell managed six more takes. 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. Gene LeBell, Hollywood Stuntman and Martial Artist, Dies at 89 - Variety 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). Not long after, he began training judo. 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. I made very good money, and it led me into a career in stunt work.. Long overdue! Sat 9th Apr 2022 19.30 BST. Wear this Award well my friend. (Gene LeBell Biography), Born in Los Angeles in 1932, LeBell was shipped off to a military school at age 6 by his full-time working mom after his father died in a surfing accident. Still, he continued to get regular stunt work on TV. So well deserved!! Its about time. [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. Is Golden State a sleeping giant? 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. Here's What Really Happened When Bruce Lee Fought A - TheThings Gene LeBell, 89, Judo Champion, Wrestler and Star Stuntman, Dies Other recordings discovered had ties to the presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. I love you. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. UFC news: 'Judo' Gene LeBell dead at 89; MMA community mourns The Toughest Man Alive: Gene LeBell: 9780953176670: Amazon.com: Books Gene LeBell, also known as 'Judo Gene LeBell' is best known for, you guessed it, judo. You always tried to get me to go dirt biking with you but I never gave in. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. He was born in Los Angeles, California. Tim Gilbert, This tribute is well deserved. "I learned the [LeBell Lock] from a guy named Neil Melanson," Danielson told the WWE website in 2010. Oliver Lee Bateman is a journalist and sports historian who lives in Pittsburgh. From TV shows like Mission: Impossible, Batman, and Reno 911! to movies including, The Towering Inferno, RoboCop, Total Recall and Independence Day, LeBell was a go-to stunt coordinator for decades. Awesome Steve Picerni. Gene, I appreciate the things youve accomplished in life, and acknowledge your generosity to those you have helped to achieve theirs. Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts, and we would get together frequently. More embellished versions include details about Seagal defecating himself. In the martial arts, he captured the National A.A.U. Bryan Danielson's LeBell Lock was named after the legendary grappler. Im honored to know you! His second best fight was probably his back and forth battle with 80's and 90's martial arts action star Steven Seagal. Ronda Rousey. Gene LeBell Dead: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Was 89 - Deadline "Judo" Gene LeBelle Passes Away At Age 89 | Rajah.com 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. Proud to know you, much love Brent Fletcher, Very proud to have been your student for so many years There is no one prettier than you Sensai You are truly a legend and I can not think of anyone more deserving for this award!!! Congrats my friend and God Bless. 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. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, especially us. (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. "Judo" Gene LeBell | The Godfather of Grappling Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . He won the Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships in 1954 and 1955 when he was 22, according to Black Belt Magazine. In June 1976, LeBell refereed the infamous boxing-versus-wrestling contest between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Tokyo, Japan. For a time, he took on a role as "policeman" for the organization, helping to maintain order. Gene LeBell - Biography - IMDb It couldnt go to a better man. Allen Lopa, Congrats to a legend!! So happy for you. It was LeBells first movieland lesson: Always let the star win. There is no one alive on this planet that deserves this Life Time Achievement Award more than you. Beck claimed that a boxer could defeat any martial artist in a straight fight and offered $1000 to anyone who could prove otherwise. 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? Alan Oliney, Hey Gene, Thanks for being a four-star mentor to so many and thanks for being Gene Lebell. 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. Way to go Uncle Gene!!! May we all continue to learn from you and strive to reach the heights youve reached. Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. [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. 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 . (Gene LeBell Biography). He learnt that the hard way when he came face to face with 'Judo' Gene Lebell and boasted that he was able to escape any hold that the human body could throw at him. It must be said at this stage that . Those were great times !! [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963. 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. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. LeBell!!! While working at the stunt coordinator for Seagal's film Out for Justice, the two of them met to test Seagal's statement. Stuntman Gene LeBell might not have been around since Hollywood's first fist fight, but his skill has transformed the genre. 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. Along with the awards received for feats in judo and grappling, LeBell was the 2005 recipient of the Frank Gotch Award in celebration of the positive recognition he brought to the sport of wrestling. 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. LeBell even awarded Piper a legitimate Black Belt in Judo . A celebration of his life will be held on his 90thBirthday October 9th, 2022 at the Hayastan Academy led by his student, Black Belt Hall of Fame Member - Gokor Chivichyan. 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. Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI agent daughter Monica LeBell Pandis. The Legendary Gene LeBell Passes Away at 89 - Wrestling Headlines I have ridden on the back of his bike for one of his marathon wheelies.Pine Mtn Club so much fun. [7][10] Savage even attempted to sweep the judoka in one instance. The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Famous wrestler, Martial artist Ivan Gene LeBell better known as Gene LeBell, passes away at 89. Unfortunately, Bruce Lee passed away a few years later in 1973. It was a fascinating collection of people mourning too, from the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts, acting, and beyond. I tried to get your son some work but hes always at the beach. A tribute to the late martial artist, stuntman, actor and pro wrestler Gene LeBell. Best to You Gene !! Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman, Martial Artist And Bruce Lee's Teacher In February 2005, the USJJF made him 9th dan in judo. Along the way, his list of big-name collaborators, students, and opponents became as packed as his CV; in addition to Lee, . He was known by many as the "Godfather of Grappling," and influenced fighters around the world. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. Freddie Blassie. 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. I feel honored to say Ive never been choked out by the legend Gene LaBellI consider you a true friend. Lance Gilbert, Gene , you are surely deserving of this achievement even though your humility wont allow you to agree with us. 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. A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. [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. Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. Lou Thesz. Gene LeBell - MMA & Wrestling Pioneer - Passes Away At 89 - TheMix.net With a background in judo and jiu-jitsu, LeBell was the mastermind behind some of the greatest fighters in the world. 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. Even more appreciated by those of us choked out by you !!! Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. 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. In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him to 9th Dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. He is there to help you any time any where. The back and forth match between the boxer and the grappler/judoka was an early precursor to the mixed martial arts battles that millions of fans enjoy today. When he arrived, Gene LeBell learned that he would not be fighting Beck, but instead a much more well-known boxer in Milo Savage. Judo Gene LeBell was famous for his catch wrestling technique that later became an influence in both pro wrestling and mixed martial arts. In addition to spending extensive time in the world of . 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. 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.. LeBell demonstrated the choke hold by putting it on Seagal. We couldnt prouder. He went on to win the both the Heavyweight and overall champion title 1955 as well. We love him! You don't earn the nickname 'Judo' without knowing a thing or two about combat; just ask Steven Seagal. He is highly respected by many martial artists all over the world, and has . RIP Gene LeBell - Part II - Black Belt Magazine 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. He was seen in Rousey's corner during matches and celebrated her victories with her. Hey Gene which way to the Beach? Savanah Dawn Lilley, The one and only Uncle Gene! A industry standard, and great human being! Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. After, my arms were trembling with strain, you told me to stop and smiled at me, and said kid, dont quit your day job. Did Judo Gene Lebell defeat Bruce Lee? If not, would Bruce Lee - Quora Neil Melanson is an American submission grappling coach. 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. Congratulations my brother!!! The seeds that Gene LeBell helped plant have grown into the modern landscape of mixed martial arts that we know today. [12] Finally, he performed a left harai goshi in the fourth round and followed by locking a rear naked choke. Andy Gill, Congratulations Gene !!! "My name is Gene LeBell. [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. Congratulations very well deserved! This award is only given to a select few. LeBell passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, just two months shy of being a nonagenarian. [25], LeBell has earned himself the nicknames "Judo" Gene LeBell, "the Godfather of Grappling" and also "the toughest man alive" for his participation in combat sports. His mother, Aileen Eaton, was a promoter at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, where she promoted boxing and wrestling events and raised Gene and his brother Mike all by her lonesome. Love ya, Buddy Joe Hooker, My dear friend Gene. His very first match was against John Osako, one of the highest ranked judokas at the national level. You have definitely earned it for all your contributions to the industry. [8], In 1963, LeBell became involved with a challenge by boxer and writer Jim Beck to the practitioners of Japanese martial arts. At four months old (April 1941), the Lee family returned to Hong Kong. A true legend with a legacy of amazing stunt history. Lee was especially interested in exploring grappling with help from him and exchanged ideas[19] on various fighting techniques. A notable one was the 'Hot Rod' himself, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. Neil Melanson Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 A martial artist and judo champion, he taught Bruce Lee, fought in an early mixed martial arts fight and served as an. According to the Hollywood Reporter, famed stunt performer Gene LeBell died on August 9 at the age of 89. I was always jealous that you could ride a wheelie so much better than me. August 10, 2022 11:30 am ET. Some of his most famous students were, Ronda Rousey, Sugar Ray Robinson,. '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. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. Osu J.J. Perry, Gene, Ill never forget the time on set, when you let me try and choke you out. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. [7][8] In return, Savage offered to wear a judogi. What are you doing? LeBell remembers the helmer lamenting. LeBells years of stunt work and fight choreography also introduced grappling to the world of action movies, where it is now commonplace to see fighters turned actors such as Randy Couture and Gina Carano using submission holds in their action sequences. The legendary story of Steven Seagal and 'Judo' Gene Lebell 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. Still working on the Pro Wrestling Finishing Holds book techniques to this day! 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. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. Lewis, Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another: What! Interview with Gene LeBell - Kung-fu Kingdom Bruce Lee. God Bless you Gene and your lovely wife and thanks you for all the things you taught me. Steven Seagal was a highly trained aikido expert and because of this, he would proclaim to the world that he was immune to choking. Whats legacy, anyway? As a stuntman, Gene has worked on more than 1000 film and television projects during a career that has spanned over 50 years. [7] LeBell took up catch wrestling under Ed "Strangler" Lewis at age 7, and later moved to train in judo.