gene lebell notable students
Well deserved !!! 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. An additional stipulation prevented LeBell from attempting tackles or takedowns under the waist. Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars. 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. All the best! Gene LeBell heard about the proclamation and decided to take Seagal up on the challenge. LeBell passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, just two months shy of being a nonagenarian. 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. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. He will always be my Stunt Senei. J.N. Afterwards, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling. Big hug and a kiss! 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.. Neil Melanson is an American submission grappling coach. 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. Gene LeBell, who died on August 9 at age 89, led a life so expansive that any mere retelling of it would come across like a tall tale, the stuff of Pecos Bill and Paul Bunyanif all of it werent true. Gene LeBell talks about Bruce Lee. [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. 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. Gene LeBell Record, Net Worth, Weight, Age & More. Contents Roddy Piper Talks MMA and Judo Gene LeBell LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts in his 70s. LeBell earned the upset win via an osaekomi. 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. 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. Humbled to be 1 of many. Scott Wilder, Thank you Sensei for paving the way for martial artists in this biz! Enjoyed reading about Gene Lebell? 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. After his competitive career, Gene LeBell would go on to become a martial arts instructor, a professional wrestler, stunt performer and actor in Los Angeles. There he found quick success. He taught fighters like Rowdy Roddy Piper, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey how to grapple and regularly trained Bruce Lee. Its about time!! Aloha, Brian Keaulana, Congratulations Gene! AEW Revolution Preview, and Whats Going on With Brock, Bray, Bobby, and Omos? AEW, Triple H & WWE acknowledged LeBell's influence. The seeds that Gene LeBell helped plant have grown into the modern landscape of mixed martial arts that we know today. [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. LeBell's conviction for being an accessory was later overturned by the California Courts of Appeal. Are the Lakers dead? Gary Goltz. Gene LeBell was chosen for the match out of over 200 candidates. Congratulations Gene. [12] Finally, he performed a left harai goshi in the fourth round and followed by locking a rear naked choke. He was 89. Seventeen years before the UFC debuted, though, LeBell refereed arguably the most notable mixed martial arts clash of the era, serving as the third man in the ring for the Muhammad AliAntonio Inoki superfight in Tokyo. Stoked I get to make it this year. You don't earn the nickname 'Judo' without knowing a thing or two about combat; just ask Steven Seagal. Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! 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We love him! 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. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The tributes for "Judo" Gene LeBell, who died on August 9, 2022, at age 89, poured in after news of his passing starting circulating. 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. The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. It is his 90th birthday and a celebration and memorial for him, Chivichyan said. I love ya man. 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. He was acquitted of the murder charge but convicted as an accessory for driving the convicted murderer, pornographer Jack Ginsburgs, to and from the murder scene. 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. !Thanks for the memories!! Interview with Gene LeBell. [8], In 1963, LeBell became involved with a challenge by boxer and writer Jim Beck to the practitioners of Japanese martial arts. This set the Japanese crowd livid, as it was considered very insulting, but they somewhat calmed down after LeBell went on to win his division. In 1954, at the age of 20, Gene won the National Heavyweight Judo Championshi and the USA Overall Judo championship title. LeBells Rolodex is not just one hall of fame roster, but multiple, as hes played integral roles in the worlds of boxing, judo, wrestling, and Hollywood stunt-work. After winning amateur national competitions in judo, LeBell decided to make the switch to pro wrestling as it offered more lucrative earnings. Chuck Norris. For a time, he took on a role as "policeman" for the organization, helping to maintain order. LeBells roots in combat sports ran deep. 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. The promoters were looking for karate and judo bumsvery distinct striking and grappling specialties, though LeBell knew the basics of karateto fight a boxer, whom LeBell assumed would be Jim Beck, a highly regarded amateur who had called out the practitioners of those sports. So they said I could make good money in professional wrestling, which I did. Steve Boyum, Absolutely couldnt go to a better candidate. Bottles, chairs, and other debris were thrown into the ring. LeBell served as the referee for the exhibition match between world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki on June 26, 1976, at . A large frame surrounded a pink gi his signature judo uniform hung above a doorway leading to the training area. Over the course of this six-decade career, LeBell had a hand in training many prominent players in the entertainment, wrestling, and MMA worlds. 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. '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. 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. Mike Bohn. Ronda Rousey, Bryan Danielson, and many more idolized the . 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. [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. (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. I love you. (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. LeBell established himself as a martial artist long before he moved to Hollywood. 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. thank you so much for all the encouragement over all these decades . Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. I feel honored to say Ive never been choked out by the legend Gene LaBellI consider you a true friend. It goes to a great man of strength, integrity and honor. It will be donated to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Southern California, in honor of LeBell. I have grown up idolizing many of the SU members over the yearsGenes massive career and list of credits is insane. Wear this Award well my friend. Heffay Cadiente, Big congrats Uncle Gene! Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner. He is the greatest!! You can follow him on Twitter (@MoustacheClubUS) and read more of his work at www.oliverbateman.com. All my love and respect Pat Romano, Ya ya Uncle Gene , to one of the Gilberts favorite people . Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell's death via Facebook, writing, "You will be greatly missed Gene, Mr. LeBell died on Aug. 9 at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles. 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. 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. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), The remarkable Judo Gene LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts well into his 80s. LeBell was also hired for stunt work with Lee on The Green Hornet.. Ya big goofball!!! [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]. 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. (Gene LeBell Biography), LeBell transitioned from amateur to AAU national judo champ in 1954 and catapulted to national attention but as a pro wrestler, playing Hank the Hangman; he made a living by losing every match. #246C,Beverly, MA 01915,United States. A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. The athletic youngster tested himself with such self-imposed challenges as scaling 60-foot-high lighting stanchions to replace spent bulbs. 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. In December 1939, his parents went to Chinatown, San Francisco in California for an international opera tour. 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. 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. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. He was 89. We worked out about 10 to 12 times at his place in Los Angeles Chinatown and at my place.. 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. 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. 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! Gary Davis, So awesome!!! Ed Lewis. In the stunt world, I get a pretty doggone good retirement from SAG and AFTRAand I can still work.. He has trained several notable students including Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey. With a background in judo and jiu-jitsu, LeBell was the mastermind behind some of the greatest fighters in the world. LeBell later mentored world-class athletes and silver screen legends. It was LeBells first movieland lesson: Always let the star win. In the martial arts, he captured the National A.A.U. LeBells top student, Gokor Chivichyan, hosted the event at his martial arts academy to celebrate the life of his mentor and close friend. Tarantino, whose portrayal of an overconfident Lee by actor Mike Moh in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood spurred backlash drew heavily from LeBell when he crafted Brad Pitts character in the film as stuntman Cliff Booth, as LeBell had trained in Japan and studied judo years before Lee became a master. 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. You have been a legend for over 60 years and Im honored each month that I get to see you!!!! [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. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. [29], LeBell was arrested, charged with, and tried for the July 1976 murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall. Gene LeBell, a renowned stuntman who trained Bruce Lee and inspired the likes of Quentin Tarantino, died in his sleep Tuesday morning at his home in Sherman Oaks, California, according to The Hollywood Reporter. His first match would be against the highly ranked judoka John Osako. Black Belt EXCLUSIVE. 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 is the author of 12 martial arts books. David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! "Judo" Gene LeBell the "Godfather of Grappling" was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywood's busiest stuntmen. A brief google of you name brings up pages and pages of awesome stories about what youve really accomplished in so many fields. He worked in. You deserve every bit of it! [30], LeBell and Ginsburgs were former friends and business partners of Hall. Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI agent daughter Monica LeBell Pandis. [2] He was born in Los Angeles. This match could be argued to be the first televised MMA match in history. Could James Harden Potentially Return to Houston After the Season? 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. At the insistence of friend and martial artist, Ed Parker, Gene LeBell accepted the challenge match and travelled to Utah to fight Beck. It couldnt go to a better man. McCarthy, veteran actress Karen Black and legendary wrestling and martial arts teacher famous for Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. Muhammad Ali. [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). Savanah Dawn Lilley, The one and only Uncle Gene! A industry standard, and great human being! He believed in me which made me believe in myself. A long overdue, but well deserved award. [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. 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. Love ya, Buddy Joe Hooker, My dear friend Gene. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018). He would also occasionally wrestle in a disguise as The Hangman. Whats different about the Sixers this year? Other recordings discovered had ties to the presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. His death was announced by Kellie Cunningham, his trustee and business manager, who did not. It was the long-running Lassie series that first tested LeBells mettle. Love, Greg & Barbie Barnett, Youve been my hero my entire career. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . As soon as he landed, LeBell used a foot sweep to sweep Seagal off the floor, with Seagal landing on his back. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! Congratulations Gene Eric Norris, Gene LeBell is my hero and always has been. [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. 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! "I learned the [LeBell Lock] from a guy named Neil Melanson," Danielson told the WWE website in 2010. Instead of being hit first, it was LeBell who would put Bruce Lee in a headlock and carry him around the set. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. On March 18, 1995, the Cauliflower Alley Club again honored LeBell by presenting him with the "Iron Mike Mazurki" award; presented by one of his teachers, legendary professional wrestling champion Lou Thesz. Ivan Judo Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. Brad Curran June 8, 2018 Interviews. Mahalo Christopher Chabriel, Congratulations MEAN GENE!!! LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Famous wrestler, Martial artist Ivan Gene LeBell better known as Gene LeBell, passes away at 89. Featuring "Judo" Gene LeBell's champion student "The Armenian Assassin" Gokor Chivichyan and friends." . A tribute to the late martial artist, stuntman, actor and pro wrestler Gene LeBell. It is alleged that as soon as LeBell placed his arms around Seagal's neck and Seagal said "go" that LeBell choked him unconscious. He is highly respected by many martial artists all over the world, and has . Others awarded have been James Cagney, Kirk Douglas, Karl Malden, Cesar Romero, Mickey Rooney, and Sylvester Stallone (movie stars that also did boxing and wrestling). Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. Judo Gene!!! In a fifty year career of high falls and fist fights, Gene LeBell has crashed cars, jumped motorcycles, wrestled bears, incited riots and fought some of the deadliest men in the world. A pioneer of martial arts, he lived a long and fascinating life. In the the Quentin Tarantino film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", Bruce Lee was made to look as an arrogant martial arts actor. You always tried to get me to go dirt biking with you but I never gave in. Gene LeBell's most famous match was his match with boxer/wrestler Milo Savage. (Gene LeBell Biography). He was acquitted and continued performing stunts for the big and small screen, alike. Love ya Gene. Thank you, Mr. LeBell! Ronda Rousey. "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. Those are just some of the names that Gene LeBell has trained with, not to mention the countless other celebrities and luminaries hes worked alongside during his decades-long careers as a pioneering mixed martial artist, a professional wrestler, and a stuntman. 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. Chris Pellitteri, Mr. Gene LeBell ; Thank you for your kindness and wisdom over the years. Still, he continued to get regular stunt work on TV. 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. Still working on the Pro Wrestling Finishing Holds book techniques to this day! 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 is currently 89 years old. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Martial artist Bas Rutten poses 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. All my love and respect Matt Taylor, Aloha Uncle Gene, Mahalo for sharing your secret Hawaiian Hug mahalo for all your knowledge & advice that youve given. It has been an honor to work with you ,and see how much you have done, over the years. It hurt. You truly are a one-off, a living legend. He went on to win the both the Heavyweight and overall champion title 1955 as well. There has also been rumors that the unconscious Seagal may have soiled himself. Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. [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. Mary Karcz, Hi Gene, Id just like to Congratulate you on your receiving the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree in jujitsu and taihojutsu in 2000 by the United States Ju-Jitsu (USJJF) Ju Jitsu Federation. [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. 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. Mickey Gilbert, Ill never forget working with Gene in Minneapolis for David Ellis. It must be said at this stage that . It was agreed that the match would last five 3 three minute rounds. The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference. Seagal, a towering man who had a background in the Japanese martial art of aikido, has long battled with stunt choreographers and fight trainers on setin Shooters, Jonathan Snowden quotes Pride announcer Stephen Quadross story of engaging in an uncomfortable series of wristlock exchanges with Seagal on the set of the 2001 film Exit Woundsbut by most accounts (and there are many), his encounter with LeBell went poorly.
