Congrats my friend and God Bless. LeBell was selected from over 200 other applicants to referee the bout. Oliver Lee Bateman is a journalist and sports historian who lives in Pittsburgh. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. 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. 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. Gene LeBell - MMA & Wrestling Pioneer - Passes Away At 89 - TheMix.net LeBell's longtime friend Bas Rutten first revealed the news on Facebook. 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. Voters will soon get a say, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. 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 Massa, Congratulations Gene!! Judo Gene LeBell was famous for his catch wrestling technique that later became an influence in both pro wrestling and mixed martial arts. ", "Gene LeBell and Ronda Rousey's golden lineage", "Killer's Impending Parole Scuttled by Extortion Plot", "Los Angeles Stirred by Detective's Mysterious Death", "Judo legend Gene LeBell passes away aged 89 years old", "Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89", "NWA Hall of Fame Class for 2011 announced", "North American Heavyweight Title (W. Texas)", Seagal vs LeBell resolved Fact, Fiction & Eye-Witness Testimony on the Urban Legend, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gene_LeBell&oldid=1141444745, NWA "Beat the Champ" Television Champions, Articles lacking reliable references from May 2021, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from May 2021, All articles needing additional references, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Pages using embedded infobox templates with the title parameter, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 02:59. 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. 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. Mal, Jo, and Ben get together to talk about where the Mandalorian people are, what adventure awaits Din and Grogu, and much more. 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. Congratulations & we all love you. It always put a smile on my face when you would call the SAMP office. Lou Thesz. Wear this Award well my friend. 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 was known by many as the Godfather of Grappling, and influenced fighters around the world. "My name is Gene LeBell. He taught fighters like Rowdy Roddy Piper, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey how to grapple and regularly trained Bruce Lee. Heffay Cadiente, Big congrats Uncle Gene! Neil Melanson 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. 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. Lance Gilbert, Gene , you are surely deserving of this achievement even though your humility wont allow you to agree with us. Thank you Gene for your friendship over the decades. Ivan Judo Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. I wont say rest easy because we just dont see that happening with Gene. Legend Gene LeBell's Life Is Set To Be Made Into A Book And Film Mike Bohn. LeBell is also a writer and has penned a dozen books on martial arts. A long overdue, but well deserved award. 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. judo. Along the way, his list of big-name collaborators, students, and opponents became as packed as his CV; in addition to Lee, . Stunt coordinator Bennie Dobbins begged LeBell to humble Lee, who allegedly beat up on his stuntmen throughout the shows production. Judo is wrestling with handles, he told Black Belt magazine in 1994. I am so glad I was there Live to see it ! However, Tarantino disputes this claim. Gene LeBell would become involved in a challenge match proposed by boxer and writer Jim Beck to all practitioners of Japanese martial arts. 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. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. Gene LeBell - Biography - IMDb 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 can follow him on Twitter (@MoustacheClubUS) and read more of his work at www.oliverbateman.com. Congratulations very well deserved! Something went wrong. He was born in Los Angeles, California. You too? LeBells years of stunt work and fight choreography also introduced grappling to the world of action movies, where it is now commonplace to see fighters turned actors such as Randy Couture and Gina Carano using submission holds in their action sequences. Bruce Lee - Wikipedia Anil Rai, Congratulations Mr. He eventually adopted the role as "policeman" for the promotion, maintaining law and order, especially during matches involving his brother Mike LeBell. What are you doing? LeBell remembers the helmer lamenting. Gene LeBell - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. 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. Lewis, Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another: What! [2] He was born in Los Angeles. Gene LeBell was chosen for the match out of over 200 candidates. Chris Pellitteri, Mr. Gene LeBell ; Thank you for your kindness and wisdom over the years. 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. Some of his most famous students were, Ronda Rousey, Sugar Ray Robinson,. Michael Nesbitt, Congratulations, judo Gene LeBell Tony Epperson, Congratulations! Whats different about the Sixers this year? 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. With love and affection, Sandy Gimpel, Congrats on your big nite!! The boxer's camp even went as far to argue for the stipulation that Savage could use any type of punch, but the judoka could not kick or use takedowns under the waist. 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. 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. 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. Karl Gotch. Well done sir! It couldnt go to a better man. So may you rest in power, Gene.. R.I.P. legendary wrestler and stunt performer Gene LeBell - The A.V. Club Freddie Blassie, who starred for Aileen Eaton and Mike LeBell for decades, wrote in his autobiography Legends of Wrestling: Listen, You Pencil Neck Geeks that LeBells believability in the ring wasnt what mattered to Mike and Aileenit was his credibility: When the family needed an enforcer to step into the ring with a wrestler who didnt want to go along with the program, all they had to do was open Genes bedroom door and tell him to get into his wrestling gear.. Jimmy Roberts, Gene youve always told me Im the best but your THE GREATEST Love ya, Manny Perry, I owe everything to Gene. Gary Goltz. Judo Gene LeBell has died at age 89 - Cageside Seats Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars. Congratulations! Stunts Unlimited Member Gene LeBell was presented with the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, May 13th, 2017 for his outstanding contribution to the world of action feature films. [10] LeBell tried several techniques through the second and third rounds and was finally successful in taking Savage down, but Savage kept defending both standing and on the ground in a very technical manner, seemingly confirming LeBell's theory about his opponent's grappling training. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North. Craig Frosty Silva, Gene LeBell What can anybody tell you about Gene LeBell? The Ploys and Tactics Behind Oscar Campaigning, A Secret Laundromat Meetup, New Jersey Episode 4, and Potomac Reunion Part 2. UFC 285 Preview: Can Jon Jones Turn Back the Clock? Instead of being hit first, it was LeBell who would put Bruce Lee in a headlock and carry him around the set. His talent in his field was known worldwide and those that got to know him knew he had a heart that matched that talent, the groups statement added. LeBell served as the referee for the exhibition match between world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki on June 26, 1976, at . 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. Black Belt EXCLUSIVE. Gene LeBell reflects on 50th anniversary of first major American mixed For LeBell, one martial art naturally flowed into another; they were already mixing together in his curious mind. [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963. Steven Seagal was a highly trained aikido expert and because of this, he would proclaim to the world that he was immune to choking. [30], LeBell and Ginsburgs were former friends and business partners of Hall. His career bore that out. It is with a heavy heart that we recognize our past member and friend, Mr. Gene LeBell, has passed on. Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree in jujitsu and taihojutsu in 2000 by the United States Ju-Jitsu (USJJF) Ju Jitsu Federation. Big hug and a kiss! Brandon Recor, Congratulations!!! A half-century ago, Pink Floyd unleashed a classic that still lingers on the Billboard charts and in college dorms to this day. Love ya !!! Judo Gene LeBell the Godfather of Grappling was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywoods busiest stuntmen. Muhammad Ali. 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. 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 . Rick Seaman, Well Geno, they said it couldnt be done but youve done it again. He worked on over 1,000 movies and wrote a dozen books. I have ridden on the back of his bike for one of his marathon wheelies.Pine Mtn Club so much fun. LeBell is back in the limelight on the 50th anniversary of what's considered the first notable mixed martial arts fight in the United States, even though the term wasn't used: His Dec. 2, 1963 . Heavyweight and Overall Judo Championships in 1954, and again in 1955 - long before Judo became an Olympic sport and was broadly appreciated in the western world. Will Bowman, Well deserved! Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . [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. 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.. Tim Gilbert, This tribute is well deserved. "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. 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. Grand Master Leg Locks by Gokor Chivichyan. Craig Hosking, Congratulations Gene you are a legend! The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference. Its great having such a role model to look up to. I was always jealous that you could ride a wheelie so much better than me. It was Beck's contention that a boxer would be able to defeat any martial artist in a fight and he put up $1000 to anyone who defeat the boxer in this challenge match. American judoka and martial arts instructor (19322022), "The Hangman (wrestler)" redirects here. Gregg Smrz, So well deserved! OSU! Wrestlers & MMA stars pay tribute to Gene LeBell. Billy Robinson. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI . 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. Being 63 years old, LeBell declined to compete or to send a representative, instead suggesting a match against Royce's 82-year-old father, the renowned Hlio Gracie. An agreement was reached for the match to last five rounds, each lasting three minutes. In the stunt world, I get a pretty doggone good retirement from SAG and AFTRAand I can still work.. 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.. Tough Guys Wear Pink in Any Color, Judo Master and Film Stuntman Gene Lee was especially interested in exploring grappling with help from him and exchanged ideas[19] on various fighting techniques. UFC news: 'Judo' Gene LeBell dead at 89; MMA community mourns I love you. Congratulations brother Gene!!! August 10, 2022 11:30 am ET. You have been a legend for over 60 years and Im honored each month that I get to see you!!!! In the the Quentin Tarantino film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", Bruce Lee was made to look as an arrogant martial arts actor. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. He is, and always has been, a perfect example of what a professional stuntman should be and continues to teach and hand down his vast knowledge to all young and old who want to learn.