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. They shared their stories about the Toughest Man Alive and Godfather of Grapplings warmth and generosity. The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. Ian Avabe, You Rock a Master of all well deserved Si PJ Hooper Kelly, Congratulations Gene. Mary Karcz, Hi Gene, Id just like to Congratulate you on your receiving the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. If you want to do a whizzer throw in wrestling, its the same as an uchimata [inner thigh throw] in judo. 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? Gene LeBell heard about the proclamation and decided to take Seagal up on the challenge. Wear this Award well my friend. LeBell was also a judo and grappling prodigy. 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. Congratulations brother Gene!!! 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. [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". Our aim is to create a shop for BJJ Students who don't look at Jiu-Jitsu as a sport - but a lifestyle. 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. Heffay Cadiente, Big congrats Uncle Gene! A notable one was the 'Hot Rod' himself, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. 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. We ask all these burning questions, and more! Gene LeBell - Biography - IMDb Its an honor to be your student and friend. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. Don't miss a beat. 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! It will be donated to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Southern California, in honor of LeBell. Ivan Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler. 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. Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. Gene LeBell, 89, Judo Champion, Wrestler and Star Stuntman, Dies LeBell was also hired for stunt work with Lee on The Green Hornet.. After earning these titles, LeBell made the transition to professional wrestling because of the promise of better earnings in the sport. In June 1976, LeBell refereed the infamous boxing-versus-wrestling contest between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Tokyo, Japan. 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. In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him to 9th Dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. After winning amateur national competitions in judo, LeBell decided to make the switch to pro wrestling as it offered more lucrative earnings. . Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood to celebrate his storied life and remember how he touched each of them in a way only LeBell could. "[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. Mickey Gilbert, Ill never forget working with Gene in Minneapolis for David Ellis. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. Mr. LeBell died on Aug. 9 at his home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles. It goes to a great man of strength, integrity and honor. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! [7][8], Following his combat sports career, LeBell, along with his brother Mike, ran the National Wrestling Alliance's Los Angeles territory, NWA Hollywood Wrestling, from 1968 to 1982. 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. Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell's death via Facebook, writing, "You will be greatly missed Gene, The seeds that Gene LeBell helped plant have grown into the modern landscape of mixed martial arts that we know today. 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. He was set to compete the following day and being a Saturday evening when he received the now colored uniform, he had to compete in the pink uniform. Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. Gene taught my three sons how to take every day life in the training under Gene. "[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. Sometimes Steven has a tendency to cheese off the wrong people, and you can get hurt doing that. Bryan Danielson's LeBell Lock was named after the legendary grappler. In Loving Memory of Judo Gene LeBell, 1932-2022 [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. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- Famous wrestler, Martial artist Ivan Gene LeBell better known as Gene LeBell, passes away at 89. Gene LeBell, Hollywood Stuntman and Martial Artist, Dies at 89 - Variety Well deserved my friend, and sensei! Freddy Bouceigues, No one deserves this more then you uncle Gene. Then consider checking: 100 Cummings Ctr. Some of his vast television credits includeThe Jack Benny Program (1962), The Man from U.N.C.L.E (1965) The Green Hornet (1965), Mission: Impossible (1966), I Spy (1965), The Wild Wild West (1965), Bonanza (1968), Kung Fu (1972), Beretta (1975), Starsky and Hutch (1975), Fantasy Island (1979), The Greatest American Hero (1981), Married with Children (1987), Baywatch (1989), The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992), Walker Texas Ranger (1993), That 70s Show (1998), The X-Files (2000), The Shield (2002), Reno 911 (2003), 24 (2010) and Jimmy Kimmel Live. It was a fascinating collection of people mourning too, from the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts, acting, and beyond. Judo Gene LeBell was famous for his catch wrestling technique that later became an influence in both pro wrestling and mixed martial arts. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman "Judo" Gene LeBell would have turned 90. So may you rest in power, Gene.. Over the course of this six-decade career, LeBell had a hand in training many prominent players in the entertainment, wrestling, and MMA worlds. 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. Grand Master Leg Locks by Gokor Chivichyan. 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!!! Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 AEW, Triple H & WWE acknowledged LeBell's influence. 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. [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. 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 was never a main-event star in wrestling and by even the most generous assessment wasnt exactly a crowd-pleaser in the ring. Ronda Rousey, Bryan Danielson, and many more idolized the . God bless. Ivan Judo Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. Few will live a life as extraordinary as Gene LeBell has. Jimmy Halty, Congratulations Gene. There has also been rumors that the unconscious Seagal may have soiled himself. Steven Seagal was a highly trained aikido expert and because of this, he would proclaim to the world that he was immune to choking. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. 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. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), Gene started training in judo at a young age, and at the age of 20 in 1954, he won National AAU Heavyweight Judo Championship and the USA Overall Judo Championship title. Challenge coins, decorated with an image of LeBell, were sold for donations, which raised more than $2,000. Bruce Lee Scene in Once Upon A Time in Hollywood Was Inspired By Gene LeBell recalled in his 2005 autobiography, The Godfather of Grappling meeting Lee on the set of The Green Hornet TV series. "Judo" Gene LeBell | The Godfather of Grappling Gene LeBell was born on October 9, 1932. 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. Michael Hughes, Thank you for being such an influence and inspiration to MANY! Gene LeBell was born on October 09, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States, is Stunts, Actor, Miscellaneous Crew. 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. Answer (1 of 12): Well It seems to be a bit of a controversy about this. Former stuntman, wrestling promoter Gene LeBell dead at 89 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. His death was announced by Kellie Cunningham, his trustee and business manager, who did not. You were a better reference than SAG! [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. I wont say rest easy because we just dont see that happening with Gene. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), The late Judo Gene LeBells 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 friends, students, family, Year after the slap, Chris Rock punches back in new special, At least 5 hurt, suspect at large in San Pedro shooting, Snowed-in Crestline residents make the best of it with volunteers, booze, San Bernardino mountain residents grow worried as they cant access medicine, supplies, Gene LeBell, iconic martial arts pioneer, dies at the age of 89, How Victor Henry found himself making his UFC debut Saturday at age 34, She will hurt you: Ronda Rousey, 24, owns it in MMA ring, UFC 199: Mauro Ranallo, Bas Rutten offer Inside MMA perspectives, UFC heavyweight Josh Barnett looks to keep climbing ranks, California Republicans give a boost to Florida Gov. I was always jealous that you could ride a wheelie so much better than me. Gene LeBell - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Black Belt EXCLUSIVE. Mike Smith, Congratulations on this most deserving award for a really great guy. Gene LeBell (also called "Judo Gene" and "the Godfather of Grappling") went on to perform stunts in hundreds of movies, train martial artists like Chuck . 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. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . 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. Gene LeBell Dead: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Was 89 - Deadline It was in her promotion that a Texas-born grappler named George Wagner first donned an elaborate robe, dyed his hair blond, walked to the ring with a valet, and became the 1950s television sensation Gorgeous George, the toast of the coast.. Congratulations Gene Eric Norris, Gene LeBell is my hero and always has been. To quote C.S. Lewis, Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another: What! You have given so much to our community and film business! All the best! LeBell established himself as a martial artist long before he moved to Hollywood. Neil Melanson Gene was an actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions for over fifty years with more than 150 acting credits and 250 stunt credits. Home | hayastanmma 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. If you saw Quentin Tarantino's . In the stunt world, I get a pretty doggone good retirement from SAG and AFTRAand I can still work.. A large frame surrounded a pink gi his signature judo uniform hung above a doorway leading to the training area. Some of his most famous students were, Ronda Rousey, Sugar Ray Robinson,. I have always been inspired by this quality in you Uncle Gene and I cherish the memories of the many great experiences we have had together. The combatants were initially cautious, with LeBell being the first in pressing the action by attempting to throw Savage down. The pink gi was inspired by a trip LeBell took to Japan where a pair of his red socks or shorts made their way into the laundry, turning his white uniform to pink. [27] He also did interviews for magazines, newspapers, and radio. 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. 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. Youve not only accomplished a great name in our industry but many,many brothers and sister stunt people that admire and love you very much. Gene's funeral will be private for immediate family only. [8], After returning to the United States, LeBell competed as a heavyweight. 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. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. Something went wrong. Osu J.J. Perry, Gene, Ill never forget the time on set, when you let me try and choke you out. LeBell also worked on over 1,000 movies and TV shows [1] and authored 12 books. He began training catch wrestling at age 7 with Ed "The Strangler" Lewis. He is highly respected by many martial artists all over the world, and has . [17] Ultimately, nothing came from it. Congrats my friend and God Bless. 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 - IMDb "[24], Seagal bodyguard and stuntman Steven Lambert, stated he was present and said that a confrontation did happen. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. I love you Gene and I am very proud of your accomplishments in our business. After his competitive career, Gene LeBell and his brother Mike would run the National Wrestling Alliance's Los Angeles region between 1968 and 1982.
