[12] Finally, he performed a left harai goshi in the fourth round and followed by locking a rear naked choke. 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. The Ploys and Tactics Behind Oscar Campaigning, A Secret Laundromat Meetup, New Jersey Episode 4, and Potomac Reunion Part 2. Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. LeBell also worked on over 1,000 movies and TV shows [1] and authored 12 books. You are a true living legend! Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. In the stunt world, I get a pretty doggone good retirement from SAG and AFTRAand I can still work.. So happy for you. judo. He sparred with James Cagney while shooting "Blood on the Sun" in 1945, allowing the famous actor to dominate the 20-minute skirmish which . They knew each other and worked together on the Green Hornet. For most of Eatons time in the business, she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, possibly even the world. [7] According to fellow BJJ artist Royce Gracie, LeBell was invited to compete in Ultimate Fighting Championship in early 1995, after Gracie stopped participating in its tournaments. 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. Ivan "Judo" Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. [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. He would also occasionally wrestle in a disguise as The Hangman. Beck engaged in abundant trash-talk, but revealed a very limited knowledge of martial arts, seemingly mistaking judo for karate. Congratulations & we all love you. 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. Well deserved !!! David would look at me glassy eyed and say No you dont! AEW, Triple H & WWE acknowledged LeBell's influence. There has also been rumors that the unconscious Seagal may have soiled himself. Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars. God bless. LeBell was also a judo and grappling prodigy. Thank you, Mr. LeBell! McCarthy, veteran actress Karen Black and legendary wrestling and martial arts teacher famous for Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. 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. 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 set the Japanese crowd livid, as it was considered very insulting, but they somewhat calmed down after LeBell went on to win his division. Mr. LeBell died on Aug. 9 at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles. A tribute to the late martial artist, stuntman, actor and pro wrestler Gene LeBell. 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. Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! An incredible life being rightfully recognized. Hey Gene which way to the Beach? 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.. Congratulations Uncle Gene! Wear this Award well my friend. For a time, he took on a role as "policeman" for the organization, helping to maintain order. He started training in catch wrestling and boxing from his early childhood, influenced by his mother, "Red Head" Aileen Eaton, a promoter of both sports who owned the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Gene LeBell was born on October 09, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States, is Stunts, Actor, Miscellaneous Crew. Is Golden State a sleeping giant? [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963. 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. 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. Other recordings discovered had ties to the presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. "The great Gene Lebell, toughest man I know, has passed away and left us at the age of 89," Rutten wrote. He was born there on November 27, 1940, making him a dual Hong Kong and United States citizen by birth. LeBell was 89 years old. The Toughest Man Alive. I made very good money, and it led me into a career in stunt work.. Mal, Jo, and Ben get together to talk about where the Mandalorian people are, what adventure awaits Din and Grogu, and much more. Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. 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. LeBell was never a main-event star in wrestling and by even the most generous assessment wasnt exactly a crowd-pleaser in the ring. 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. According to Lambert, Seagal explained to LeBell that he did not believe his choke hold was effective, and that he could escape from it. Love ya, Buddy Joe Hooker, My dear friend Gene. If you saw Quentin Tarantino's . LeBell's conviction for being an accessory was later overturned by the California Courts of Appeal. We are all so proud of you, youre a legend. Few will live a life as extraordinary as Gene LeBell has. 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. He won the Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships in 1954 and 1955 when he was 22, according to Black Belt Magazine. 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, 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. "I learned the [LeBell Lock] from a guy named Neil Melanson," Danielson told the WWE website in 2010. Ronda Rousey. He is there to help you any time any where. Black Belt EXCLUSIVE. 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. [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". You have definitely earned it for all your contributions to the industry. A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. Since Hayastan MMA Academy first opened its door, it has been one of the top gyms in the world. He is the greatest!! Bob Debbie Hennessey, Congrats Gene. He was seen in Rousey's corner during matches and celebrated her victories with her. [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]. 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. LeBell was also hired for stunt work with Lee on The Green Hornet.. Gregg Smrz, So well deserved! Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. "[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. You used to practice on your son David and I used to say to him I want to try that too, to be choked out by your dad. Congrats Rick Avery, Congratulations Uncle Gene! After winning amateur national competitions in judo, LeBell decided to make the switch to pro wrestling as it offered more lucrative earnings. developed adult skills by 13. if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it. ( Aubrey Sitterson, rondarousey.com, 2018). You truly are a one-off, a living legend. 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. Gene LeBell had thousands of students over the years. 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. If you want to do a whizzer throw in wrestling, its the same as an uchimata [inner thigh throw] in judo. LeBells top student, Gokor Chivichyan, hosted the event at his martial arts academy to celebrate the life of his mentor and close friend. When he arrived, Gene LeBell learned that he would not be fighting Beck, but instead a much more well-known boxer in Milo Savage. [8] Gene also wrestled under a black mask as The Hangman, teaming up with Roy Staggs. It hurt. Well done sir! 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. We couldnt prouder. Gene LeBell heard about the proclamation and decided to take Seagal up on the challenge. The grappling club master . I love ya man. [30], LeBell and Ginsburgs were former friends and business partners of Hall. When he entered the 1954 AAU National Judo championship as a lightly regarded 160-pound heavyweight, he pinned 1952 Pan American Games gold medalist Johnny Osako in his first match, then went on to win both his weight class as well as the overall tournament. As soon as he landed, LeBell used a foot sweep to sweep Seagal off the floor, with Seagal landing on his back. 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. In June of 1976, LeBell served as the referee during the infamous boxing versus wrestling match between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Japan. Long overdue! David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! Erik Stabenau, Congratulations Gene. "My . 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. After, my arms were trembling with strain, you told me to stop and smiled at me, and said kid, dont quit your day job. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! [17] Ultimately, nothing came from it. He also had 8 grandchildren. "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. 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. In February 2005, the USJJF made him 9th dan in judo. Tim Gilbert, This tribute is well deserved. Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. Whats different about the Sixers this year? It always put a smile on my face when you would call the SAMP office. 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. LeBell is said to have placed his arms around Seagal's neck, and once Seagal said "go", proceeded to choke him unconscious, with Seagal losing control of his bowels. "[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. May we all continue to learn from you and strive to reach the heights youve reached. The boxer's side demanded a stipulation in which the smaller and older Savage (Savage was 39 while LeBell was 31 at the date of the fight) could use any type of punch, while the judoka could not kick, in the apparent belief LeBell was a karateka. 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. !Thanks for the memories!! He repeated this dominant performance in 1955, winning all but one of his 18 matches solely with standing throws. 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. He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. To succeed in the NFL, hell need to be an outlier among outliers. He has fought, trained and performed with a dizzying array of some of the most prolific athletes and actors in the world. 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. 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. 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. [10], The loss by Savage, the hometown favorite, caused the crowd to react violently. The Cauliflower Alley Club presented the award. [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. Gene LeBell was chosen for the match out of over 200 candidates. Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. A professional stuntman and actor, LeBell appeared in over 1,000 films and TV shows, and authored 12 books. 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 deserve every bit of it! Interview with Gene LeBell. Unfortunately, Bruce Lee passed away a few years later in 1973. [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. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. A pioneer of martial arts, he lived a long and fascinating life. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North. LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts in his 70s. Andy Gill, Congratulations Gene !!! Don't miss a beat. [2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books. So well deserved!! The Creed Franchise Has Stepped Out of Rockys Shadow at Last, With Sylvester Stallone removed from the equation, Creed III is the sternest test yet of Adonis Creeds appealand a new challenge for first-time director Michael B. Jordan, The Clock Is Already Ticking for Kyrie Irving and the Mavs, Dallas now has a costar alongside Luka Doncic but has precious little time to make it all work. Chuck & Charlotte Waters, Special man and amazing human being, so deserving of this recognition. 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. 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. How Do We Solve This Crisis? He was known by many as the "Godfather of Grappling," and influenced fighters around the world. Answer (1 of 12): Well It seems to be a bit of a controversy about this. [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). (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. 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). Ill never forget that moment, congratulations brother. LeBell's longtime friend Bas Rutten first revealed the news on Facebook. Hans Gutknecht has been a photojournalist at the Los Angeles Daily News since 1992. 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. More embellished versions include details about Seagal defecating himself. LeBell judged fights for several decades, but retired from it after Golden Boy Promotions: Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 on November 24, 2018. In any case, LeBell was back to work in the movies almost immediately, adding to the movie residuals and Screen Actors Guildbacked retirement that sustained him in his later years. The damage inflicted definitely favored Inoki, who battered Alis legs sufficiently that the Greatest struggled with his mobility in a fight against Ken Norton later that year, but LeBellwho had Inoki slightly ahead on his own scorecard, per the account in journalist Josh Grosss book Ali vs. Inoki: The Forgotten Fight That Inspired Mixed Martial Arts and Launched Sports Entertainmentchose to deduct points for an illegal groin strike, thus affording Ali a split-decision draw that showcased how dull MMA could get without the appropriate rules in place. "My name is Gene LeBell. The only thing I have against MMA is they dont have a retirement plan. Mike Smith, Congratulations on this most deserving award for a really great guy. Still working on the Pro Wrestling Finishing Holds book techniques to this day! It couldnt go to a better man. 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. It is alleged that as soon as LeBell placed his arms around Seagal's neck and Seagal said "go" that LeBell choked him unconscious. Mickey Gilbert, Ill never forget working with Gene in Minneapolis for David Ellis. 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. But whats the legacy of the blockbuster album?