Here's an attempt to share some of those posts and tweets from the cross . 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. 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. 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. His very first match was against John Osako, one of the highest ranked judokas at the national level. J.N. [7] LeBell took up catch wrestling under Ed "Strangler" Lewis at age 7, and later moved to train in judo. 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. 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. August 10, 2022 1:24pm. Weve worked together for over (50) years and its been (50) years of pure delight. [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. 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. With only one uniform in his luggage, he wore the pink gi in Japan, and beat the competition. 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. LeBell demonstrated the choke hold by putting it on Seagal. This is very much deserved. Karl Gotch. A professional stuntman and actor, LeBell appeared in over 1,000 films and TV shows, and authored 12 books. 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. LeBell was 89 years old. [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 can follow him on Twitter (@MoustacheClubUS) and read more of his work at www.oliverbateman.com. [23] LeBell's trainee Ronda Rousey, assured Seagal was the one lying and said: "If [Seagal] says anything bad about Gene to my face, I'd have to make him crap his pants a second time. Seagal, a towering man who had a background in the Japanese martial art of aikido, has long battled with stunt choreographers and fight trainers on setin Shooters, Jonathan Snowden quotes Pride announcer Stephen Quadross story of engaging in an uncomfortable series of wristlock exchanges with Seagal on the set of the 2001 film Exit Woundsbut by most accounts (and there are many), his encounter with LeBell went poorly. A large frame surrounded a pink gi his signature judo uniform hung above a doorway leading to the training area. But whats the legacy of the blockbuster album? 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 . 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. Nick Plantico, Congrats Gene!! A half-century ago, Pink Floyd unleashed a classic that still lingers on the Billboard charts and in college dorms to this day. 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. Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! His students in those fields included Roddy Piper, Ronda Rousey, and many others. 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. It will be donated to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Southern California, in honor of LeBell. 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. Little Mo and Lou, Uncle Gene has been a trusted mentor, ardent Sensei and dear friend to me and countless other stunt people throughout the years. Outside of the fight game, LeBell worked in film & television, appearing in multiple Elvis Presley movies and working on The Green Hornet TV series, where he struck up a friendship with Bruce Lee. Gene LeBell Did It All Over a legendary career as a judoka, pro wrestler, and Hollywood stuntman, LeBell was a pioneer in mixed martial arts and choreographed violenceand one of the toughest. He was seen in Rousey's corner during matches and celebrated her victories with her. LeBell died in his sleep early Tuesday morning at his home in Sherman Oaks, his trustee and business manager, Kellie Cunningham, told The Hollywood Reporter. ( Aubrey Sitterson, rondarousey.com, 2018). [26], The pink colored judo gi became a trademark of LeBell and was a result of a laundry mixup while preparing for a competition in Japan. LeBell was 89 years old. Andy Gill, Congratulations Gene !!! His first match would be against the highly ranked judoka John Osako. Love, Greg & Barbie Barnett, Youve been my hero my entire career. [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. BJJ Fanatics was started by a pair of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts who know that nothing is more important for a fellow fanatic than their time on the mat. LeBell helped Seagal up. David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! Gene LeBell has three children Monica, Danny, and David. Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. (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. The boxer blocked the move, which aggravated an old shoulder injury of LeBell. He has trained with or taught grappling skills to many well-known wrestlers and martial artists, such as Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Bob Wall, Chuck Norris, Ed Parker, Gokor Chivichyan, Karo Parisyan, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Mando Guerrero, Manny Gamburyan. He won the Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships in 1954 and 1955 when he was 22, according to Black Belt Magazine. Ian Avabe, You Rock a Master of all well deserved Si PJ Hooper Kelly, Congratulations Gene. [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963. 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! It has been an honor to work with you ,and see how much you have done, over the years. You too? [7][8] In return, Savage offered to wear a judogi. We ask all these burning questions, and more! His death was announced by Kellie Cunningham, his trustee and business manager, who did not. 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. Big hug and a kiss! . 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 . [8], In 1963, LeBell became involved with a challenge by boxer and writer Jim Beck to the practitioners of Japanese martial arts. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. The promoters were looking for karate and judo bumsvery distinct striking and grappling specialties, though LeBell knew the basics of karateto fight a boxer, whom LeBell assumed would be Jim Beck, a highly regarded amateur who had called out the practitioners of those sports. His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. His mother, Aileen Eaton, promoted fights at the Olympic Auditorium and was the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of . [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). Roddy Piper. (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. He eventually adopted the role as "policeman" for the promotion, maintaining law and order, especially during matches involving his brother Mike LeBell. You have definitely earned it for all your contributions to the industry. So may you rest in power, Gene.. [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". 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. You always tried to get me to go dirt biking with you but I never gave in. Stuntman Gene LeBell might not have been around since Hollywood's first fist fight, but his skill has transformed the genre. 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. LeBell was also a judo and grappling prodigy. AEW, Triple H & WWE acknowledged LeBell's influence. At the insistence of friend and martial artist, Ed Parker, Gene LeBell accepted the challenge match and travelled to Utah to fight Beck. Christian Fletcher, Congratulations Gene! What are you doing? LeBell remembers the helmer lamenting. "[24], Seagal bodyguard and stuntman Steven Lambert, stated he was present and said that a confrontation did happen. Whats legacy, anyway? David would look at me glassy eyed and say No you dont! 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. After an illustrious judo career, Gene tried his hand at professional wrestling, and actually won the heavyweight title in Amarillo, Texas. "LeBell parlayed his pain-inducing skills into careers in martial arts, professional wrestling and Hollywood stunt work, making him the ultimate a**-kicking Renaissance man. 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. [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. In 1954, at the age of 20, Gene won the National Heavyweight Judo Championshi and the USA Overall Judo championship title. Please enter a valid email and try again. Brad Curran June 8, 2018 Interviews. Some of his most famous students were, Ronda Rousey, Sugar Ray Robinson,. People called him the Toughest Man Alive. LeBell was never a main-event star in wrestling and by even the most generous assessment wasnt exactly a crowd-pleaser in the ring. Congratulations brother Gene!!! Melanson specializes in catch wrestling, while drawing elements from judo, and focuses his coaching specifically on grappling in mixed martial arts.He is especially known for his guard work, leg locks and triangle chokes. Lance Gilbert, Gene , you are surely deserving of this achievement even though your humility wont allow you to agree with us. You were a better reference than SAG! As wellback in the day..i drove out to ride motos with Gene & some friends at his area in Frazier Park. 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. After his mother remarried, LeBell was raised near L.A.s old Olympic Auditorium. 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. Roberts, Nobody in the world more respected!! Beck engaged in a great deal of pre-fight trash talk, but it was clear that he had very little knowledge of Japanese martial arts even going as far as confusing traditional judo for karate. However, Tarantino disputes this claim. Martial Art: Take a wild guess.Notable Achievements: "Judo" Gene LeBell has arguably the most impressive MMA resume of anyone on this list, and 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. So, congratulation Gene LeBell from the Winburn families for receiving the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. You are a true living legend! It has been alleged that at some point LeBell heard about the claim and gave Seagal the opportunity to prove it. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic both had 40-point games after the Sixers loss against the Mavs. Humbled to be 1 of many. LeBell's conviction for being an accessory was later overturned by the California Courts of Appeal. 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. Ivan Judo Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. A lot of fighters are broke. The combatants were initially cautious, with LeBell being the first in pressing the action by attempting to throw Savage down. Gene was an actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions for over fifty years with more than 150 acting credits and 250 stunt credits. Mary Karcz, Hi Gene, Id just like to Congratulate you on your receiving the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. He will always be my Stunt Senei. It hurt. It was agreed that the match would last five 3 three minute rounds. Aloha, Brian Keaulana, Congratulations Gene! With respect, Missy OMalley-Reynolds, Uncle Gene, Thanks for never burning our house down. Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts, and we would get together frequently. [10] Also, according to LeBell and other sources, Savage's gloves contained brass knuckles[9][10] and he had greased up his gi with vaseline to make gripping it more difficult. Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. LeBells top student, Gokor Chivichyan, hosted the event at his martial arts academy to celebrate the life of his mentor and close friend. (Gene LeBell Biography). 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. He is currently 89 years old. LeBell was also hired for stunt work with Lee on The Green Hornet.. [3][4], In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. This scene is loosely based on world class Judoka Gene LeBell . 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 . Bruce Lee's father Lee Hoi-chuen was a famous Cantonese opera singer based in Hong Kong. [citation needed], On March 23, 1991, LeBell was awarded the Honorary "Reel" Membership by the Ring of Friendship of the Cauliflower Alley Club. 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. Influential combat sports icon "Judo" Gene LeBell has died at 89. Unfortunately, Bruce Lee passed away a few years later in 1973. [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. For most of Eatons time in the business, she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, possibly even the world. Since Hayastan MMA Academy first opened its door, it has been one of the top gyms in the world. Hans Gutknecht has been a photojournalist at the Los Angeles Daily News since 1992. LeBell was the third man inside the ring of one of the most famous matches in Japanese history and one that had worldwide attention. Whether through his chokes or his jokes, Gene LeBell has been an inspiration for more people than he will ever realize. A brief google of you name brings up pages and pages of awesome stories about what youve really accomplished in so many 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. He was born there on November 27, 1940, making him a dual Hong Kong and United States citizen by birth. 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. Still, he continued to get regular stunt work on TV. 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? He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, especially us. Grand Master Gi Grappling by Gokor Chivichyan. There he found quick success. Sugar Ray Robinson. Those were great times !! Hardcover - January 1, 2004. LeBell earned the upset win via an osaekomi. Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell's death via Facebook, writing, "You will be greatly missed Gene, Congratulations! The two became close friends, but the actors untimely death stymied LeBells chance for future speaking parts. Answer (1 of 12): Well It seems to be a bit of a controversy about this. In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him to 9th Dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. He is highly respected by many martial artists all over the world, and has . (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), A fight scene on the sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet earned LeBell his SAG card. Challenge coins, decorated with an image of LeBell, were sold for donations, which raised more than $2,000. We cant have blood! Gaffer tape stanched the bleeding, and LeBell managed six more takes. This is his wish, to do this, and I promised him that Im going to do this on his birthday, and I keep my promise today.. [17] Ultimately, nothing came from it. 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. I have grown up idolizing many of the SU members over the yearsGenes massive career and list of credits is insane. People gather to celebrate the life of Judo Gene LeBell on what would have been his 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. [7] Despite his pedigree, he did not get over immediately with audiences but gradually became known for his martial arts background. Cheers! Interview with Gene LeBell. Billy Robinson. All my love and respect Pat Romano, Ya ya Uncle Gene , to one of the Gilberts favorite people . 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. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman "Judo" Gene LeBell would have turned 90. In addition to Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, LeBell also tutored the likes of Roddy Piper (who claimed in his autobiography to have received a black belt in judo from LeBell, though this is likely as spurious as the impossible-to-verify Golden Gloves championship he was sometimes reported as having won), Olympic bronze medalist judoka and future UFC and WWE star Ronda Rousey (who always cited him as an important mentor), American judo champion and instructor Gokor Chivichyan, and Chivichyans Armenian American judo student Karo Parisyan, one of the first notable judo practitioners in the UFC. Is Golden State a sleeping giant? 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. For 89 years, few did that work better than Judo Gene LeBell. LeBell also worked on over 1,000 movies and TV shows [1] and authored 12 books. Gary Goltz. #246C,Beverly, MA 01915,United States. Gene LeBell was born on October 9, 1932. LeBell later mentored world-class athletes and silver screen legends. He taught fighters like Rowdy Roddy Piper, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey how to grapple and regularly trained Bruce Lee. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Former UFC Champion and WWE star Ronda Rousey talks 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. Lou Thesz. LeBell established himself as a martial artist long before he moved to Hollywood. Enjoyed reading about Gene Lebell? Plus, Nadine Smith on the Agendas Behind Wrestling Documentaries. I thought I was the only one. Seems like yesterday, lifes crazy like that, huh? [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. Well deserved my friend, and sensei! A true legend with a legacy of amazing stunt history. Anil Rai, Congratulations Mr. "My name is Gene LeBell. 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Over a legendary career as a judoka, pro wrestler, and Hollywood stuntman, LeBell was a pioneer in mixed martial arts and choreographed violenceand one of the toughest guys in the business. 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. Black Belt EXCLUSIVE. !Thanks for the memories!! I am so glad I was there Live to see it ! 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. He would also occasionally wrestle in a disguise as The Hangman. 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. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018). He was a man that no endeavor was too tall for him to accomplish, Josh Barnett said of LeBell. 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. While working at the stunt coordinator for Seagal's film Out for Justice, the two of them met to test Seagal's statement. Well deserved !!! Born in Los Angeles in 1932, LeBell was shipped off to a military. Still working on the Pro Wrestling Finishing Holds book techniques to this day! After his competitive career, Gene LeBell and his brother Mike would run the National Wrestling Alliance's Los Angeles region between 1968 and 1982. Chris Pellitteri, Mr. Gene LeBell ; Thank you for your kindness and wisdom over the years. LeBell recalled in his 2005 autobiography, The Godfather of Grappling meeting Lee on the set of The Green Hornet TV series. If you want to do a whizzer throw in wrestling, its the same as an uchimata [inner thigh throw] in judo. You are a true living legend. 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. [27] He also did interviews for magazines, newspapers, and radio. Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. 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. 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. 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. Oops. After getting his black belt, he went to Japan to train in judo at the Kodokan. Bryan Danielson's LeBell Lock was named after the legendary grappler. It was a fascinating collection of people mourning too, from the world of pro wrestling, mixed martial arts, acting, and beyond. Muhammad Ali. Grand Master Leg Locks by Gokor Chivichyan. Never ever have I known a man so talented, having so much wisdom and experience, so giving of his knowledge and skills and yet being so humble. Without locking the hold, Seagal side stepped and swung his forearm backwards into his crotch. Gary Davis, So awesome!!! In June 1976, LeBell refereed the infamous boxing-versus-wrestling contest between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Tokyo, Japan. Rick Seaman, Well Geno, they said it couldnt be done but youve done it again. 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. [8], After returning to the United States, LeBell competed as a heavyweight. Its about time. If I could get my arms around you I would hug you. Mike Bohn. Will Bowman, Well deserved! Steven Seagal was a highly trained aikido expert and because of this, he would proclaim to the world that he was immune to choking. Whats different about the Sixers this year? 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. Gene LeBell would become involved in a challenge match proposed by boxer and writer Jim Beck to all practitioners of Japanese martial arts. Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. Oliver Lee Bateman is a journalist and sports historian who lives in Pittsburgh. Tanner Gill, Congrats Uncle Gene!!