[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. So happy for you. 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. [7], LeBell was requested to confirm the story publicly in an interview with Ariel Helwani in 2012, but he avoided answering the question, albeit implying that the incident was true. You don't earn the nickname 'Judo' without knowing a thing or two about combat; just ask Steven Seagal. [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. Here's an attempt to share some of those posts and tweets from the cross . Michael Nesbitt, Congratulations, judo Gene LeBell Tony Epperson, Congratulations! The Alabama passer is one of the smallest QB prospects to be pegged as a first-round pick. The late 'Judo' Gene LeBell's 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 friends, students, family LeBell's top student, Gokor Chivichyan, held the event at his martial arts academy, remembering a . 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 father of MMA. 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. Michael Hughes, Thank you for being such an influence and inspiration to MANY! Scott Wilder, Thank you Sensei for paving the way for martial artists in this biz! Thank you, Mr. LeBell! Gene LeBell talks about Bruce Lee. In his book Shooters: The Toughest Men in Professional Wrestling, long-time MMA journalist Jonathan Snowden described LeBell as a horrible professional wrestler from a technical perspective, a tough guy who looked soft in the ring and remained stuck on the undercard of his brother Mike LeBells wrestling events, wrestling under his own name or beneath a mask as the Hangman. He did claim to have won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1960 from Pat OConnor in a match in Dory Funks Amarillo, Texas, territory, repeating this assertion to both Black Belt and Sports Illustrated, but the victory was almost certainly part of a wrestling story line, with LeBell accidentally striking the Texas wrestling commissioner with the belt and forcing its immediate return to OConnor. He is highly respected by many martial artists all over the world, and has . Enjoyed reading about Gene Lebell? Gene was an actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions for over fifty years with more than 150 acting credits and 250 stunt credits. Christian Fletcher, Congratulations Gene! This is very much deserved. 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.. He is loved by so many and admired by countless others. (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. With only one uniform in his luggage, he wore the pink gi in Japan, and beat the competition. 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. Don't miss a beat. At the insistence of friend and martial artist, Ed Parker, Gene LeBell accepted the challenge match and travelled to Utah to fight Beck. Gene has trained with numerous other world champion martial artists includingChuck Norris,Bill Wallace, andBenny Urquidez. As a stuntman, LeBell reportedly endured a punch from John Wayne for the 1952 film Big Jim McLain and a kick in the face from Elvis Presley for Blue Hawaii in 1961. LeBell's students included AnnMaria De Mars, the first American to ever win a gold medal at the World Judo Championships in 1984, and De Mars' daughter, Ronda Rousey, who became the first. 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. In the the Quentin Tarantino film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", Bruce Lee was made to look as an arrogant martial arts actor. Plus, Nadine Smith on the Agendas Behind Wrestling Documentaries. Well done sir! In June 1976, LeBell refereed the infamous boxing-versus-wrestling contest between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Tokyo, Japan. Ill never forget that moment, congratulations brother. LeBell was 89 years old. Chuck & Charlotte Waters, Special man and amazing human being, so deserving of this recognition. This scene is loosely based on world class Judoka Gene LeBell . Unfortunately, Bruce Lee passed away a few years later in 1973. An additional stipulation prevented LeBell from attempting tackles or takedowns under the waist. Alan Oliney, Hey Gene, Thanks for being a four-star mentor to so many and thanks for being Gene Lebell. I feel honored to say Ive never been choked out by the legend Gene LaBellI consider you a true friend. LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts in his 70s. 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!!! Congratulations my brother!!! 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. 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. Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. You too? 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. 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. Anil Rai, Congratulations Mr. LeBells roots in combat sports ran deep. 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. You are an inspiration!! He is there to help you any time any where. Mary Karcz, Hi Gene, Id just like to Congratulate you on your receiving the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), The remarkable Judo Gene LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts well into his 80s. He worked in. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. Love, Greg & Barbie Barnett, Youve been my hero my entire career. Humbled to be 1 of many. Ed Lewis. (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. He eventually adopted the role as "policeman" for the promotion, maintaining law and order, especially during matches involving his brother Mike LeBell. Judo Gene!!! His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. Way to go Uncle Gene!!! 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. Hamstrung by rules barring takedowns, strikes on the ground, and submission holds, the fight devolved into a tedious 15-round affair in which Ali taunted and showboated while Inoki crab-walked along the mat, kicking Alis legs. I love ya man. In 1994, LeBell counted kickboxing champion Benny Urquidez and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners the Machado brothers among his training partners. Then consider checking: 100 Cummings Ctr. The fun motorcycle rides we used to go on out at the Pig Farm and at your mountain house. Gene LeBell would ultimately choke his opponent unconscious after a tentative start to the match. I am so glad I was there Live to see it ! His first match would be against the highly ranked judoka John Osako. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. For 89 years, few did that work better than Judo Gene LeBell. With respect, Missy OMalley-Reynolds, Uncle Gene, Thanks for never burning our house down. It is alleged that as soon as LeBell placed his arms around Seagal's neck and Seagal said "go" that LeBell choked him unconscious. It hurt. ( Aubrey Sitterson, rondarousey.com, 2018). Gene is survived by his wife Midge, his children Monica and David; stepchildren Danny and Stacey; and grandchildren Daniel, Tyler and Nicholas. 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. #246C,Beverly, MA 01915,United States. Hey Gene which way to the Beach? 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! A long overdue, but well deserved award. I tried to get your son some work but hes always at the beach. 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. LeBell has worked on over 1000 TV Show and Film projects. To prevent a full-blown riot, hometown hero and rated professional boxer Jay Fullmer (brother of boxers Gene and Don Fullmer) entered the ring to congratulate LeBell.

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