Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts, and we would get together frequently. Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI agent daughter Monica LeBell Pandis. We are incredibly sad to report that our hero, dear friend and Stunts Unlimited brother passed away yesterday, August 9th, 2022 at the age of 89. The combatants were initially cautious, with LeBell being the first in pressing the action by attempting to throw Savage down. His first match would be against the highly ranked judoka John Osako. [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. (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. 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. 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. We cant have blood! Gaffer tape stanched the bleeding, and LeBell managed six more takes. They shared their stories about the Toughest Man Alive and Godfather of Grapplings warmth and generosity. For LeBell, one martial art naturally flowed into another; they were already mixing together in his curious mind. 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. Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. But whats the legacy of the blockbuster album? It always put a smile on my face when you would call the SAMP office. He popularized grappling in pro-fighting circles and had a famous run-in with Steven Seagal. developed adult skills by 13. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. (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. Gene LeBell was born on October 9, 1932. Bruce Lee. He deserves this award. Black Belt EXCLUSIVE. In return, the boxer's camp agreed that he would wear a Judo Gi or uniform, although he ultimately wore a Karate Gi which fit much tighter and was more difficult to grab onto. 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. I was always jealous that you could ride a wheelie so much better than me. In a story worthy of the detective novels of Raymond Chandler, LeBell, who drove California pornography magnate Jack Ginsburgs to the murder scene, was acquitted on a murder charge but convicted and sentenced to probation as an accessory for his role in transporting Ginsburgs to the murdera conviction later overturned by the California Court of Appeals in a heavily fact-dependent decision based on careful interpretation of state rules of evidence rather than any new proof of LeBells innocence. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Famous wrestler, Martial artist Ivan Gene LeBell better known as Gene LeBell, passes away at 89. He has fought, trained and performed with a dizzying array of some of the most prolific athletes and actors in the world. It was a fascinating collection of people mourning too, from the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts, acting, and beyond. RIP Gene LeBell - Part II. 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. And Thank You for all those Decals and Patches you sent Charlotte and I each Christmas. Sammy Horowitz, Congratulations Gene, its about time you were acknowledged for your amazing contribution to the stunt world. After getting his black belt, he went to Japan to train in judo at the Kodokan. Stuntman Gene LeBell might not have been around since Hollywood's first fist fight, but his skill has transformed the genre. Wear this Award well my friend. In 1954, at the age of 20, Gene won the National Heavyweight Judo Championshi and the USA Overall Judo championship title. 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. LeBell helped Seagal up. If you saw Quentin Tarantino's . Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. LeBell was selected from over 200 other applicants to referee the bout. Allen Lopa, Congrats to a legend!! "[24], Seagal bodyguard and stuntman Steven Lambert, stated he was present and said that a confrontation did happen. [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963. Martial Art: Take a wild guess.Notable Achievements: "Judo" Gene LeBell has arguably the most impressive MMA resume of anyone on this list, and LeBell earned the upset win via an osaekomi. Brad Curran June 8, 2018 Interviews. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. Instead of being hit first, it was LeBell who would put Bruce Lee in a headlock and carry him around the set. 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. 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. Since Hayastan MMA Academy first opened its door, it has been one of the top gyms in the world. 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. Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. [29], LeBell was arrested, charged with, and tried for the July 1976 murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall. LeBell established himself as a martial artist long before he moved to Hollywood. Cheers! Influential combat sports icon "Judo" Gene LeBell has died at 89. Many modern-day MMA fans recognize LeBell as the one who is present in many of Rousey's early games, coaching her on. He is the greatest!! 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. LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts in his 70s. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. Don't miss a beat. Best Hugh Aodh OBrien, All Rights Reserved.Web design by My Life at Speed Digital Services, Stan Barrett, Paul Newman, and Breaking Land Speed Records, Annual Stunts Unlimited Directory Membership Payment, The Stunts Unlimited Directory Membership 20% Off Promotion, actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions, https://stuntsunlimited.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Jon-Boucher-One-of-my-personal-favorite-Gene-Lebell-television-appearances-as-Tarzan-McGirk-taking-on-the-mysterious-Masked-Marvel-on-an-episode-of-The-Munsters..mp4, In Loving Memory of Judo Gene LeBell, 1932-2022. A notable one was the 'Hot Rod' himself, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. Please enter a valid email and try again. [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. The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference. They all grew up to be great young men, James is a newspaper writer for various companies, David is a Federal Police Officer and Matthew is an accountant and they all, always talk about the days they train under Gene. Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars. 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. He went on to win the both the Heavyweight and overall champion title 1955 as well. All my love and respect Pat Romano, Ya ya Uncle Gene , to one of the Gilberts favorite people . Despite his martial arts credentials, LeBell did not immediately connect with wrestling audiences. An incredible life being rightfully recognized. 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. In the the Quentin Tarantino film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", Bruce Lee was made to look as an arrogant martial arts actor. Sugar Ray Robinson. 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. 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. Gene LeBell was born on October 09, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States, is Stunts, Actor, Miscellaneous Crew. [28], LeBell was friends with world champion judoka AnnMaria De Mars, and had known her daughter, Olympic judoka, mixed martial artist and professional wrestler Ronda Rousey since her birth. thank you so much for all the encouragement over all these decades . You always tried to get me to go dirt biking with you but I never gave in. Karl Gotch. Working with Gene on many television and films, I learned how to take judo and marital art punches and kicks and fly through the air, crazing through various objects to the ground . 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 . Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. He subsequently dominated auditions for the role of Mr. Kryptonite in the Superman TV series, which ran from 1952 to 1958; actor George Reeves, who played the Man of Steel, hired him on the spot after seeing his high-flying judo rolls and flips. Ronda Rousey, Bryan Danielson, and many more idolized the . 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? Billy Robinson. 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. Are the Lakers dead? Chuck Norris. [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". 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. He was also a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge, including judging UFC 74 (Randy Couture vs. Gabriel Gonzaga) and his website judogene.com is visited by martial arts and film fans all over the globe. So well deserved!! Hans Gutknecht has been a photojournalist at the Los Angeles Daily News since 1992. The toughest man alive by Gene LeBell . Aloha, Brian Keaulana, Congratulations Gene! 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. After earning these titles, LeBell made the transition to professional wrestling because of the promise of better earnings in the sport. [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. 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! Ed Lewis. According to the Hollywood Reporter, famed stunt performer Gene LeBell died on August 9 at the age of 89. LeBell served as the referee for the exhibition match between world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki on June 26, 1976, at . You deserve every bit of it! . Muhammad Ali. Gene taught my three sons how to take every day life in the training under Gene. I love you Gene and I am very proud of your accomplishments in our business. The Toughest Man Alive. Grand Master Gi Grappling by Gokor Chivichyan. His career bore that out. A long overdue, but well deserved award. 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. In February 2005, the USJJF made him 9th dan in judo. Love you brother congratulations! Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. "[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. A pioneer of martial arts, he lived a long and fascinating life. LeBell came off the floor by a few feet. [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. Well deserved.- Bonnie Happy, Well deserved. To this day you are still teaching and sharing your wealth of knowledge with the next generation! It is with a heavy heart that we recognize our past member and friend, Mr. Gene LeBell, has passed on. He is currently the head grappling coach at Jaco Hybrid Training Center.He is the former head grappling coach at both . It has been alleged that at some point LeBell heard about the claim and gave Seagal the opportunity to prove it. 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. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Former UFC Champion and WWE star Ronda Rousey talks about her friend and mentor Judo Gene LeBell during a celebration of his life on what would have been his 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. LeBell recalled in his 2005 autobiography, The Godfather of Grappling meeting Lee on the set of The Green Hornet TV series. 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. He has trained several notable students including Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey. So, congratulation Gene LeBell from the Winburn families for receiving the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. With respect, Missy OMalley-Reynolds, Uncle Gene, Thanks for never burning our house down. Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. 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. Mr. LeBell died on Aug. 9 at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles. A student of catch wrestling titans Lou Thesz, Karl Gotch, and Ed "Strangler" Lewis, LeBell's notable students include Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Ronda Rousey. 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. Derek spoke with Matthew Biel of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital about rising teenage unhappiness and what we can do to fix it, All You Touch and All You See: Dark Side of the Moon at 50. According to Lambert, Seagal explained to LeBell that he did not believe his choke hold was effective, and that he could escape from it. Sat 9th Apr 2022 19.30 BST. It must be said at this stage that . 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. Gene LeBell had thousands of students over the years. I was driving a weenie mobile and Gene was driving a truck and they wanted a near miss, so we did the take and they said we werent close enough we showed em the paint scraped off the sides of the cars and they said, Okay, I guess youre right. I get his patches every year, got em all right here. To succeed in the NFL, hell need to be an outlier among outliers. It was LeBells first movieland lesson: Always let the star win. 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. Its about time. Well deserved my friend, and sensei! The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. Its about time!! Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. [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]. The fun motorcycle rides we used to go on out at the Pig Farm and at your mountain house. 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. We ask all these burning questions, and more! AEW, Triple H & WWE acknowledged LeBell's influence. Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!!