Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. We ask all these burning questions, and more! LeBell would win the match osaekomi where the practitioner pins the opponent for a specified amount of time earning the victory. 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. [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". 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. This is very much deserved. We love him! He is loved by so many and admired by countless others. He deserves this award. Could Gene LeBell, the 'real life Cliff Booth', beat up Bruce Lee? Despite this, a man tried to stab LeBell on the way out and the latter had to be protected by the judokas and professional wrestlers who accompanied him. It was a fascinating collection of people mourning too, from the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts, acting, and beyond. 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. All my love and respect Pat Romano, Ya ya Uncle Gene , to one of the Gilberts favorite people . 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. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, especially us. Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. 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. This match could be argued to be the first televised MMA match in history. Gene LeBell was a man who lived a full and adventurous life. Jimmy Roberts, Gene youve always told me Im the best but your THE GREATEST Love ya, Manny Perry, I owe everything to Gene. He has trained several notable students including Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey. 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. He was known by many as the "Godfather of Grappling," and influenced fighters around the world. 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. August 18 | 2022. blackbeltmag.com. Gene LeBell began his martial arts training at the age of 13 and went on to become the "Godfather of Grappling" and is considered by many to be the . So happy for you. So may you rest in power, Gene.. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. 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. "My name is Gene LeBell. In addition to his judo background, LeBell has an extensive background in submission grappling and catch wrestling, and has trained under Lou Thesz, Karl Gotch and Ed "Strangler" Lewis. LeBell accompanied Ronda Rousey to the cage for some of her MMA matches in recent years, and served as a MMA judge through 2018. Could James Harden Potentially Return to Houston After the Season? 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. LeBell's conviction for being an accessory was later overturned by the California Courts of Appeal. He was seen in Rousey's corner during matches and celebrated her victories with her. 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! After earning these titles, LeBell made the transition to professional wrestling because of the promise of better earnings in the sport. 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. Well deserved my friend, and sensei! 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. 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. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), The remarkable Judo Gene LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts well into his 80s. 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. Neil Melanson is an American submission grappling coach. LeBell is also a writer and has penned a dozen books on martial arts. A half-century ago, Pink Floyd unleashed a classic that still lingers on the Billboard charts and in college dorms to this day. [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. Sometimes Steven has a tendency to cheese off the wrong people, and you can get hurt doing that. I feel honored to say Ive never been choked out by the legend Gene LaBellI consider you a true friend. Tim Gilbert, This tribute is well deserved. Mike Massa, Congratulations Gene!! At 12 LeBell took up judo. All the best! Congratulations & we all love you. Aloha, Brian Keaulana, Congratulations Gene! He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. Hans Gutknecht has been a photojournalist at the Los Angeles Daily News since 1992. The Life & Times of Gene LeBell - Black Belt Magazine A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. 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. [7] In 1954 and 1955, while only 22 years of age, he captured both the heavyweight and overall Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships. He taught me how to fight, taught me how to ride. Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North. Michael Hughes, Thank you for being such an influence and inspiration to MANY! 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. Roberts, Nobody in the world more respected!! [27] He also did interviews for magazines, newspapers, and radio. Neil Melanson - Wikipedia Gene LeBell talks about Bruce Lee. Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. Ronda Rousey, Bryan Danielson, and many more idolized the . Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. Black Belt EXCLUSIVE. LeBell also worked on over 1,000 movies and TV shows [1] and authored 12 books. It will be donated to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Southern California, in honor of LeBell. Challenge coins, decorated with an image of LeBell, were sold for donations, which raised more than $2,000. The pictures above are from the TV show Fall Guy and I told Gene I didnt want to hit him on the bike and he said I dont want you to hit me eitheryou may hurt yourself. Congratulations Gene, you earned this award and no one in this world is taking it away from the Toughest man Alive. Jack Gill. [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. After, my arms were trembling with strain, you told me to stop and smiled at me, and said kid, dont quit your day job. 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. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Sat 9th Apr 2022 19.30 BST. LeBell was also hired for stunt work with Lee on The Green Hornet.. [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. For most of Eatons time in the business, she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, possibly even the world. Featuring "Judo" Gene LeBell's champion student "The Armenian Assassin" Gokor Chivichyan and friends." . He is the author of 12 martial arts books. According to a 2014 interview in Black Belt, LeBell had no idea the fight would be as significant as later developments in the sport of MMA have made it. Ed Lewis. Your positivity and generosity knows no limit. Video: Gene LeBell in boxing vs. judo fight in 1963 (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. Instead of being hit first, it was LeBell who would put Bruce Lee in a headlock and carry him around the set. 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. We worked out about 10 to 12 times at his place in Los Angeles Chinatown and at my place.. "Judo" Gene LeBell | The Godfather of Grappling UFC 285 Preview: Can Jon Jones Turn Back the Clock? 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. Congratulations! Savanah Dawn Lilley, The one and only Uncle Gene! A industry standard, and great human being! You are an inspiration!! Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner. In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him to 9th Dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. He has fought, trained and performed with a dizzying array of some of the most prolific athletes and actors in the world. she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, who was said to be terrorizing the stuntman for a particular scene, background in the Japanese martial art of aikido. For 89 years, few did that work better than Judo Gene LeBell. Whats different about the Sixers this year? American judoka and martial arts instructor (19322022), "The Hangman (wrestler)" redirects here. 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. After getting his black belt, he went to Japan to train in judo at the Kodokan. FLASH SALE - Buy 1 video get 40% OFF - COUPON40, Buy 2 videos get 43% OFF - COUPON43, Buy 3 or more videos get 45% OFF - COUPON45. Gene LeBell, also known as 'Judo Gene LeBell' is best known for, you guessed it, judo. Gene LeBell's most famous match was his match with boxer/wrestler Milo Savage. 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. Then consider checking: 100 Cummings Ctr. Gene was an actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions for over fifty years with more than 150 acting credits and 250 stunt credits. 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.