Despite this long legacy in the worlds of pro wrestling and MMA, LeBell, always chasing the smart money, never hung around too long on the mat in either sport: Theres only 1 in 1,000 MMA fighters who make money, he told Black Belt magazine in 2014. 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. Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. Gene has trained with numerous other world champion martial artists includingChuck Norris,Bill Wallace, andBenny Urquidez. While men like Wagner and later Freddie Blassie and Dick the Destroyer Beyer would headline Eatons wrestling cards, the young LeBellbereft of a father figurestarted at the very bottom, learning the ropes in the hardest away imaginable, twisted into pretzels by grapplers like the aging Evan Strangler Lewis, from whom LeBell asked to learn the Stranglers signature headlock when LeBell was the tender age of 7. In December 1939, his parents went to Chinatown, San Francisco in California for an international opera tour. Still, he continued to get regular stunt work on TV. He was born in Los Angeles, California. The grappling club master . 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. 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? Ill be there to shake your hand tomorrow. Sat 9th Apr 2022 19.30 BST. A video shown at the memorial featured many of his accomplishments from the stunt and martial arts world, evoking smiles, laughter and tears that had many in the crowd wiping their eyes. His mother, Aileen Eaton, was a promoter at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, where she promoted boxing and wrestling events and raised Gene and his brother Mike all by her lonesome. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Bas Rutten, Gokor Chivichyan, Paul Lazenby and Josh Barnett during a celebration of life for Judo Gene LeBell on what would have been his 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. 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. 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. The boxer blocked the move, which aggravated an old shoulder injury of LeBell. [21] He was quoted as saying: "When we had a little altercation or difference of opinion, there were thirty stuntmen and cameramen that were watching. The judoka and his team showed their sportsmanship by helping to revive Savage using kappo, as neither the referee nor the ring doctor knew how to resuscitate him. Ross Clay, Gene is the most unselfish and most giving person I know. Christian Fletcher, Congratulations Gene! 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. In June of 1976, LeBell served as the referee during the infamous boxing versus wrestling match between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Japan. He was 89. Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Martial artist Bas Rutten poses 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. We ask all these burning questions, and more! LeBell recalled in his 2005 autobiography, The Godfather of Grappling meeting Lee on the set of The Green Hornet TV series. They thought of each other has good friends but Gene Lebell said he taught Bruce Lee but Bruce said they shared techniques but not as a teacher/student relationsh. Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts, and we would get together frequently. Congratulations very well deserved! LeBell has worked on over 1000 TV Show and Film projects. 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. LeBell, preferring to let others do the talking for him, told MMA journalist Ariel Helwani in 2012 that if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it.. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, especially us. 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. Answer (1 of 12): Well It seems to be a bit of a controversy about this. [4] LeBell appeared in three Elvis Presley movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley. He eventually adopted the role as "policeman" for the promotion, maintaining law and order, especially during matches involving his brother Mike LeBell. 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. [citation needed] In addition he also worked on the set of the Green Hornet TV show, in which he developed a friendship with Bruce Lee. Grand Master Gi Grappling by Gokor Chivichyan. LeBell passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, just two months shy of being a nonagenarian. Lee was especially interested in exploring grappling with help from him and exchanged ideas[19] on various fighting techniques. 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. Will Bowman, Well deserved! Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! OSU! 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. I made very good money, and it led me into a career in stunt work.. Well deserved !!! In addition to his judo background, LeBell has an extensive background in submission grappling and catch wrestling, and has trained under Lou Thesz, Karl Gotch and Ed "Strangler" Lewis. This scene is loosely based on world class Judoka Gene LeBell . 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. LeBell was the third man inside the ring of one of the most famous matches in Japanese history and one that had worldwide attention. 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. It is alleged that as soon as LeBell placed his arms around Seagal's neck and Seagal said "go" that LeBell choked him unconscious. The seeds that Gene LeBell helped plant have grown into the modern landscape of mixed martial arts that we know today. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman Judo Gene LeBell would have turned 90. Oliver Lee Bateman is a journalist and sports historian who lives in Pittsburgh. Logan Holladay, Congratulations to Uncle Gene for a lifetime of stunts and terrorizing the stunt people; either riding dirt bikes or putting them to sleep. LeBell established himself as a martial artist long before he moved to Hollywood. The Cauliflower Alley Club presented the award. McCarthy, veteran actress Karen Black and legendary wrestling and martial arts teacher famous for Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. Judo Gene LeBell was famous for his catch wrestling technique that later became an influence in both pro wrestling and mixed martial arts. The toughest man alive by Gene LeBell . With a background in judo and jiu-jitsu, LeBell was the mastermind behind some of the greatest fighters in the world. Neil Melanson His very first match was against John Osako, one of the highest ranked judokas at the national level. Beck claimed that a boxer could defeat any martial artist in a straight fight and offered $1000 to anyone who could prove otherwise. judo. Those were great times !! Hardcover - January 1, 2004. As soon as he landed, LeBell used a foot sweep to sweep Seagal off the floor, with Seagal landing on his back. thank you so much for all the encouragement over all these decades . 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. You have been a legend for over 60 years and Im honored each month that I get to see you!!!! Hey Gene which way to the Beach? While working at the stunt coordinator for Seagal's film Out for Justice, the two of them met to test Seagal's statement. I tried to get your son some work but hes always at the beach. One day in. FLASH SALE - Buy 1 video get 40% OFF - COUPON40, Buy 2 videos get 43% OFF - COUPON43, Buy 3 or more videos get 45% OFF - COUPON45. He believed in me which made me believe in myself. He is highly respected by many martial artists all over the world, and has . . [7] LeBell took up catch wrestling under Ed "Strangler" Lewis at age 7, and later moved to train in judo. 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. 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. "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. Sammy Horowitz, Congratulations Gene, its about time you were acknowledged for your amazing contribution to the stunt world. 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.. It goes to a great man of strength, integrity and honor. 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. 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. The simplest version of the tale has Seagal boasting that he couldnt be choked out, and LeBell, then in his 50s and significantly smaller than the 6-foot-4 actor, going behind the star, then taking him to the ground and choking him out. 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. So to be a martial artist of his degree in the art of Judo is incredible; to be a pro wrestler of that level, incredible; but then to go into stunts and the motorcycle riding and the acting and everything else. Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. Craig Frosty Silva, Gene LeBell What can anybody tell you about Gene LeBell? You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. [8] Gene also wrestled under a black mask as The Hangman, teaming up with Roy Staggs. Beck engaged in abundant trash-talk, but revealed a very limited knowledge of martial arts, seemingly mistaking judo for karate. Gene is survived by his wife Midge, his children Monica and David; stepchildren Danny and Stacey; and grandchildren Daniel, Tyler and Nicholas. Gene LeBell's most famous match was his match with boxer/wrestler Milo Savage. 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. As a stuntman, Gene has worked on more than 1000 film and television projects during a career that has spanned over 50 years. Whether through his chokes or his jokes, Gene LeBell has been an inspiration for more people than he will ever realize. He is there to help you any time any where. He was seen in Rousey's corner during matches and celebrated her victories with her. He is loved by so many and admired by countless others. So, congratulation Gene LeBell from the Winburn families for receiving the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. Congratulations & we all love you. Its about time!! He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. 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. This 1982 homevideo production, introduced by Chuck Norris and narrated by John Saxon, featured LeBell as a car thief and mugger who (in the prologue) accosts Mitsuru Yamashita and Budojujitsu creator Al Thomasmuch to LeBell's regret. Many modern-day MMA fans recognize LeBell as the one who is present in many of Rousey's early games, coaching her on. Bottles, chairs, and other debris were thrown into the ring. Today we will take a look at just a fraction of it. All my love and respect Pat Romano, Ya ya Uncle Gene , to one of the Gilberts favorite people . 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. Extant fight footage shows a stocky LeBell, probably 60 to 70 pounds heavier than he was when he debuted in judo, cautiously circling and then struggling to throw the much smaller man, who exhibited sound wrestling defense. Andy Gill, Congratulations Gene !!! Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North. 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. [31], On August 9, 2022, LeBell died in his sleep.[32][33]. 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. There is no one alive on this planet that deserves this Life Time Achievement Award more than you. 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! 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. As wellback in the day..i drove out to ride motos with Gene & some friends at his area in Frazier Park. Contents Roddy Piper Talks MMA and Judo Gene LeBell So may you rest in power, Gene.. In the martial arts, he captured the National A.A.U. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! This match could be argued to be the first televised MMA match in history. This is very much deserved. In addition to spending extensive time in the world of . An additional stipulation prevented LeBell from attempting tackles or takedowns under the waist. Ya big goofball!!! 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. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. Freddy Bouceigues, No one deserves this more then you uncle Gene. He was 89. Billy Robinson. 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. "[24], Seagal bodyguard and stuntman Steven Lambert, stated he was present and said that a confrontation did happen. 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 . He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. 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. Along the way, his list of big-name collaborators, students, and opponents became as packed as his CV; in addition to Lee, . Martial Art: Take a wild guess.Notable Achievements: "Judo" Gene LeBell has arguably the most impressive MMA resume of anyone on this list, and He was a man that no endeavor was too tall for him to accomplish, Josh Barnett said of LeBell. [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. The godfather of modern grappling and a legitimate tough guy in his own right, LeBell. The belt was immediately seized from the shocked Gene, which in later years would cause him to comment, Well, at least I was the champ for 12 seconds and I retired as champion. (Gene LeBell Biography), Gene went on to fight numerous opponents over the years including practitioners from other fighting arts that scoffed at Genes prowess, however they learned the hard way that Genes superb grappling skills were the real deal. Please enter a valid email and try again. Muhammad Ali. In the stunt world, I get a pretty doggone good retirement from SAG and AFTRAand I can still work.. The tributes for "Judo" Gene LeBell, who died on August 9, 2022, at age 89, poured in after news of his passing starting circulating. His death was announced by Kellie Cunningham, his trustee and business manager, who did not. 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. [9], Encouraged by Ed Parker,[8] LeBell accepted the challenge and travelled to Salt Lake City to meet Beck. Mahalo Christopher Chabriel, Congratulations MEAN GENE!!! The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference. Ronda Rousey, Bryan Danielson, and many more idolized the . Whats different about the Sixers this year? [7][10] Savage even attempted to sweep the judoka in one instance. Is Golden State a sleeping giant? 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. August 18 | 2022. blackbeltmag.com. 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. On March 18, 1995, the Cauliflower Alley Club again honored LeBell by presenting him with the "Iron Mike Mazurki" award; presented by one of his teachers, legendary professional wrestling champion Lou Thesz. The only thing I have against MMA is they dont have a retirement plan. Savanah Dawn Lilley, The one and only Uncle Gene! A industry standard, and great human being! 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. Well deserved.- Bonnie Happy, Well deserved. [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. ( Aubrey Sitterson, rondarousey.com, 2018). 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. Mike Bohn. Love you brother congratulations! 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. 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. 2005, Learn how and when to remove this template message, contest between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki, Golden Boy Promotions: Liddell vs. Ortiz 3, NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship, George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, NWA "Beat the Champ" Television Championship, NWA North American Heavyweight Championship, "IBK International Kyokushin Budokai Blak Belts", "Roots of Fight Brings Us the Story of "Judo" Gene LeBell MMA Pioneer and Terrifying Old Man", "Could Gene LeBell beat up Bruce Lee? (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett, talks about Judo Gene LeBell during a celebration of LeBells life on what would have been his 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. Despite his martial arts credentials, LeBell did not immediately connect with wrestling audiences. They knew each other and worked together on the Green Hornet. For a time, he took on a role as "policeman" for the organization, helping to maintain order. [citation needed], On March 23, 1991, LeBell was awarded the Honorary "Reel" Membership by the Ring of Friendship of the Cauliflower Alley Club. He worked in. However, Tarantino disputes this claim. Bryan Danielson's LeBell Lock was named after the legendary grappler. After earning these titles, LeBell made the transition to professional wrestling because of the promise of better earnings in the sport. You truly are a one-off, a living legend. He was born there on November 27, 1940, making him a dual Hong Kong and United States citizen by birth. Love ya !!! 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. A long overdue, but well deserved award. 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. 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. It is his 90th birthday and a celebration and memorial for him, Chivichyan said. 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. Plus, Nadine Smith on the Agendas Behind Wrestling Documentaries. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG). Others awarded have been James Cagney, Kirk Douglas, Karl Malden, Cesar Romero, Mickey Rooney, and Sylvester Stallone (movie stars that also did boxing and wrestling). 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. How Do We Solve This Crisis? Afterwards, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling. Some of his most famous students were, Ronda Rousey, Sugar Ray Robinson,. "Judo" Gene LeBell the "Godfather of Grappling" was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywood's busiest stuntmen. 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. Instead of being hit first, it was LeBell who would put Bruce Lee in a headlock and carry him around the set. Your positivity and generosity knows no limit. Rick Seaman, Well Geno, they said it couldnt be done but youve done it again. I love you Gene and I am very proud of your accomplishments in our business. 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. With only one uniform in his luggage, he wore the pink gi in Japan, and beat the competition. 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.
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