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. I tried to get your son some work but hes always at the beach. Ed Lewis. He has fought, trained and performed with a dizzying array of some of the most prolific athletes and actors in the world. [2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books. 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. Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 As a lifelong student of what we have come to call combat sports, still living and teaching at age 87, LeBell has become one of the world's experts. In addition to spending extensive time in the world of . LeBell even awarded Piper a legitimate Black Belt in Judo . [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. All the best! 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 heard about the proclamation and decided to take Seagal up on the challenge. Bryan Danielson's LeBell Lock was named after the legendary grappler. You have definitely earned it for all your contributions to the industry. Ross Clay, Gene is the most unselfish and most giving person I know. 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. You were a better reference than SAG! 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. [8], In 1963, LeBell became involved with a challenge by boxer and writer Jim Beck to the practitioners of Japanese martial arts. Stunt coordinator Bennie Dobbins begged LeBell to humble Lee, who allegedly beat up on his stuntmen throughout the shows production. Bob Debbie Hennessey, Congrats Gene. So may you rest in power, Gene.. Interview with Gene LeBell. Craig Hosking, Congratulations Gene you are a legend! 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. Not long after, he began training judo. 'The Godfather of Grappling' evolved to be a popular figure in the martial arts world after he extended to various other forms of sports, including judo and mixed martial arts. 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. 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. I thought I was the only one. Seems like yesterday, lifes crazy like that, huh? Grand Master Gi Grappling by Gokor Chivichyan. Who was 'Judo' Gene LeBell? Martial artist, 89, was the - MEAWW Part of HuffPost Entertainment. Gene was an actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions for over fifty years with more than 150 acting credits and 250 stunt credits. Gene LeBell - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia . 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. 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.. The two became close friends, but the actors untimely death stymied LeBells chance for future speaking parts. 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.. Confused by William Beaudines direction, LeBell ended up being chomped by a 700-pound bear named Victor. 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. LeBell established himself as a martial artist long before he moved to Hollywood. Weve worked together for over (50) years and its been (50) years of pure delight. 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). Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . 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. Mal, Jo, and Ben get together to talk about where the Mandalorian people are, what adventure awaits Din and Grogu, and much more. He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge. [10][11] Nevertheless, LeBell got mount and found the opportunity to execute an armbar, but he opted instead to seek a choke, concluding that Savage would not surrender to a broken arm. Ill never forget that moment, congratulations brother. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. It goes to a great man of strength, integrity and honor. Instructed through brutal tutorials by professional wrestlers and old-school masters, he developed adult skills by 13. Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree in jujitsu and taihojutsu in 2000 by the United States Ju-Jitsu (USJJF) Ju Jitsu Federation. Gene LeBell Passes Away At Age 89 - Ringside News RIP Gene LeBell - Part II. [27] He also did interviews for magazines, newspapers, and radio. [7][8] In return, Savage offered to wear a judogi. Gene LeBell in 2010 and with Lindsay Wagner on 'The Bionic Woman' in 1976 GI. A long overdue, but well deserved award. Ivan Judo Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. 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. There has also been rumors that the unconscious Seagal may have soiled himself. Gene LeBell, Hollywood Stuntman and Martial Artist, Dies at 89 - Variety Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. Chuck Norris. UFC news: 'Judo' Gene LeBell dead at 89; MMA community mourns You have been a legend for over 60 years and Im honored each month that I get to see you!!!! [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. Brad Curran June 8, 2018 Interviews. Judo Gene LeBell the Godfather of Grappling was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywoods busiest stuntmen. So well deserved!! 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. Some of his most famous students were, Ronda Rousey, Sugar Ray Robinson,. He was seen in Rousey's corner during matches and celebrated her victories with her. [28], LeBell was friends with world champion judoka AnnMaria De Mars, and had known her daughter, Olympic judoka, mixed martial artist and professional wrestler Ronda Rousey since her birth. A true legend with a legacy of amazing stunt history. 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. 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. [citation needed], While serving as stunt coordinator for the film Out for Justice, starring Steven Seagal, Seagal stated that due to his aikido training he was 'immune' to being choked unconscious. Gene LeBell reflects on 50th anniversary of first major American mixed Best to You Gene !! You don't earn the nickname 'Judo' without knowing a thing or two about combat; just ask Steven Seagal. This is very much deserved. A lot of fighters are broke. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), AnnMaria De Mars (L), with her daughter former UFC Champion and WWE star Ronda Rousey and Rouseys daughter Po, pose 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. "I learned the [LeBell Lock] from a guy named Neil Melanson," Danielson told the WWE website in 2010. The damage inflicted definitely favored Inoki, who battered Alis legs sufficiently that the Greatest struggled with his mobility in a fight against Ken Norton later that year, but LeBellwho had Inoki slightly ahead on his own scorecard, per the account in journalist Josh Grosss book Ali vs. Inoki: The Forgotten Fight That Inspired Mixed Martial Arts and Launched Sports Entertainmentchose to deduct points for an illegal groin strike, thus affording Ali a split-decision draw that showcased how dull MMA could get without the appropriate rules in place. Lee was especially interested in exploring grappling with help from him and exchanged ideas[19] on various fighting techniques. What are you doing? LeBell remembers the helmer lamenting. Despite his martial arts credentials, LeBell did not immediately connect with wrestling audiences. [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. It will be donated to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Southern California, in honor of LeBell. Hans Gutknecht has been a photojournalist at the Los Angeles Daily News since 1992. You too? Gene LeBell talks about Bruce Lee. 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. He taught fighters like Rowdy Roddy Piper, Chuck Norris, and Ronda Rousey how to grapple and regularly trained Bruce Lee. Hardcover - January 1, 2004. 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? 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. If I have seen further it has been by standing on the shoulders of giants like you!! He sparred with James Cagney while shooting "Blood on the Sun" in 1945, allowing the famous actor to dominate the 20-minute skirmish which . The program featured several other martial artists including Graciela Casilas, Karen Sheperd, Victor Ledbetter, Steve Sanders, brothers Benny and Reuben Urquidez, and Dave Vaden. Martial arts legend 'Judo' Gene LeBell dies at 89 - MMA Fighting "My name is Gene LeBell. Few will live a life as extraordinary as Gene LeBell has. Proud to be your friend! 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. Wrestlers & MMA stars pay tribute to Gene LeBell. Cheers! 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. Are the Lakers dead? 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. Afterwards, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling. Wrestling, MMA, movie worlds pay tribute to Judo Gene LeBell He is currently the head grappling coach at Jaco Hybrid Training Center.He is the former head grappling coach at both . "[24], Seagal bodyguard and stuntman Steven Lambert, stated he was present and said that a confrontation did happen. Gene has trained with numerous other world champion martial artists includingChuck Norris,Bill Wallace, andBenny Urquidez. 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. "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. The godfather of modern grappling and a legitimate tough guy in his own right, LeBell. Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. LeBell demonstrated the choke hold by putting it on Seagal. Anil Rai, Congratulations Mr. Oops. 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. Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI agent daughter Monica LeBell Pandis. LeBell would win the match osaekomi where the practitioner pins the opponent for a specified amount of time earning the victory. May we all continue to learn from you and strive to reach the heights youve reached. Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. Love you brother congratulations! Video: Gene LeBell in boxing vs. judo fight in 1963 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. In the martial arts, he captured the National A.A.U. Gary Davis, So awesome!!! Allen Lopa, Congrats to a legend!! Could James Harden Potentially Return to Houston After the Season? Gene LeBell Dies: Stuntman, Actor And Wrestling Legend Who Fought Bruce Gary Goltz. Gene LeBell | Profile with News, Stats, Age & Height - Sports Pundit And later on, there is discussion of whether or not double-dipping is an acceptable way to eat! Gene LeBell, 89, Judo Champion, Wrestler and Star Stuntman, Dies (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018), The remarkable Judo Gene LeBell was still teaching grappling and doing stunts well into his 80s. Humbled to be 1 of many. LeBell is also a writer and has penned a dozen books on martial arts. LeBell served as the referee for the exhibition match between world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki on June 26, 1976, at . Other recordings discovered had ties to the presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. [29], LeBell was arrested, charged with, and tried for the July 1976 murder of private investigator Robert Duke Hall. 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. Something went wrong. 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. Gene's funeral will be private for immediate family only. (James C. Udel, Variety, 2018). Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic both had 40-point games after the Sixers loss against the Mavs. 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. Well deserved.- Bonnie Happy, Well deserved. To succeed in the NFL, hell need to be an outlier among outliers. Ronnie and Mary Rondell, Congratulations Uncle Gene! Awesome Steve Picerni. Gene LeBell Record, Net Worth, Weight, Age & More! [8], After returning to the United States, LeBell competed as a heavyweight. Erik Stabenau, Congratulations Gene. Gene LeBell would ultimately choke his opponent unconscious after a tentative start to the match. Thank you for all you have done for those of us blessed to learn from you. I made very good money, and it led me into a career in stunt work.. He was acquitted of the murder charge but convicted as an accessory for driving the convicted murderer, pornographer Jack Ginsburgs, to and from the murder scene. [7][10] Savage even attempted to sweep the judoka in one instance. LeBell judged fights for several decades, but retired from it after Golden Boy Promotions: Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 on November 24, 2018. The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. It is with a heavy heart that we recognize our past member and friend, Mr. Gene LeBell, has passed on. 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. Muhammad Ali. A half-century ago, Pink Floyd unleashed a classic that still lingers on the Billboard charts and in college dorms to this day. Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars. LeBells top student, Gokor Chivichyan, hosted the event at his martial arts academy to celebrate the life of his mentor and close friend. Heffay Cadiente, Big congrats Uncle Gene! 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. [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. It was the long-running Lassie series that first tested LeBells mettle. Gene LeBell had thousands of students over the years. [13] He also continued to work in professional wrestling intermittently, wrestling his final match on August 29, 1981, against Peter Maivia for NWA Hollywood Wrestling. Congratulations, Connie P Conrad Palmisano, Congratulations Uncle Gene for receiving the lifetime award. Gene LeBell's most famous match was his match with boxer/wrestler Milo Savage. 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. His mother, Aileen Eaton, promoted fights at the Olympic Auditorium and was the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of . 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. Answer (1 of 12): Well It seems to be a bit of a controversy about this. Osu J.J. Perry, Gene, Ill never forget the time on set, when you let me try and choke you out. [9], Encouraged by Ed Parker,[8] LeBell accepted the challenge and travelled to Salt Lake City to meet Beck. We ask all these burning questions, and more! 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. You always got the cool moves to Choke em Out .. stay healthy my friend .. Love, Troy Gilbert, Unreal. August 18 | 2022. blackbeltmag.com. In 1954, at the age of 20, Gene won the National Heavyweight Judo Championshi and the USA Overall Judo championship title. 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. developed adult skills by 13. Congrats my friend and God Bless. Interview with Gene LeBell - Kung-fu Kingdom His notable students include Rousey, WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper, and Chuck Norris, among others. Judo is wrestling with handles, he told Black Belt magazine in 1994. 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 had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI . He was born in Los Angeles, California. To quote C.S. Ronda Rousey. 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. I was told that all the judo and karate people were not making any money at that time; they were starving, LeBell recalled in that interview. While working with rising martial arts star Bruce Lee on the set of The Green Hornet, LeBell was instructed by the stunt coordinator to subdue the actorwho was said to be terrorizing the stuntman for a particular sceneand did so by quickly grabbing Lee in a firemans carry and running around the set with him. Challenge coins, decorated with an image of LeBell, were sold for donations, which raised more than $2,000. Here's an attempt to share some of those posts and tweets from the cross . Well deserved my hat is off to you sir!!! Black Belt EXCLUSIVE. Well deserved. Im honored to know you! Is MJF the Second Coming of CM Punk? [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. On the day of the match, Savage appeared wearing a karategi instead, much tighter and harder to grab. Joseph Davis, Gene is truly a genuine Good person and a great friend. LeBell helped Seagal up. Colleagues, friends and fans (in most cases they qualify as all three) have contributed their congratulations to the living legend that is Judo Gene LeBell. Gene taught my three sons how to take every day life in the training under Gene. Whats different about the Sixers this year? LeBell was 89 years old. 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. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North. wrote the Stuntmans Association of Motion Pictures in a statement to Variety, whose portrayal of an overconfident Lee by actor Mike Moh in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood spurred backlash. He popularized grappling in pro-fighting circles and had a famous run-in with Steven Seagal. Then consider checking: 100 Cummings Ctr. Roberts, Nobody in the world more respected!! He was known by many as the "Godfather of Grappling," and influenced fighters around the world. He went on to win the both the Heavyweight and overall champion title 1955 as well. Gene LeBell - Age, Bio, Faces and Birthday And in February, 2005 Gene LeBell was promoted to 9th degree black belt in judo by USJJF. [2] He was born in Los Angeles. 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. 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. Mike Bohn. [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. [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. You deserve every bit of it! 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. We couldnt prouder. Hey Gene which way to the Beach? Gene LeBell would become involved in a challenge match proposed by boxer and writer Jim Beck to all practitioners of Japanese martial arts. 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 . Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. One thing I learned was never never mess with Gene LeBell. In December 1939, his parents went to Chinatown, San Francisco in California for an international opera tour. Some have pointed out that LeBell making easy work of Lee on set may have inspired the scene in Quentin Tarantinos Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in which Brad Pitt, playing veteran stuntman Cliff Booth, has his way with Bruce Lee (played by actor and martial artist Mike Moh) in an on-set sparring match. LeBell's longtime friend Bas Rutten first revealed the news on Facebook. If you want to do a whizzer throw in wrestling, its the same as an uchimata [inner thigh throw] in judo. "Judo" Gene LeBelle Passes Away At Age 89 | Rajah.com

Newark Ohio Crime News, Daniel Taylor Alabama, Articles G