Ivan Gene LeBell was probably the most influential martial artists the world has ever seen. An American stunt performer, knowledgeable wrestler additionally recognized below the moniker “The Godfather of Grappling”, he’s the person who popularized grappling within the preventing world, which served as a precursor to the fashionable world of MMA.
Gene LeBell wrote 12 books and labored on over 1,000 TV exhibits. Many joked round calling him a sadistic bastard due to his insane want to progress. He left an enormous path on the planet of boxing, wrestling, Judo, and fight sports activities general.
Gene LeBell
Gene Lebell was born on October 9, 1932, in Los Angeles, California. Lebell died on August 9, 2022, in Sherman Oaks, California. But, legends reside perpetually, as Lebell reached the standing of Tenth-degree black belt in Judo and Kyokushin Budokai, plus he’s a ninth dan black belt in Jujutsu.
Early Life
Gene Lebell was coaching in boxing and catch wrestling since his early days and was closely influenced by his mum, Aileen Eaton, recognized below the nickname “Purple Head”, who owned the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles territory.
He kicked off a catch wrestling profession at seven years of age, then later transitioned to Judo. When he earned a Judo black belt, LeBell moved to Japan, the place he began coaching with Kodokan.
Profession
LeBell returned to the US of America on the age of twenty-two, and instantly captured each the heavyweight and general Beginner Athletic Union Nationwide Judo Championships. He pulled out a large upset in opposition to legendary Judoka John Osako, whom he completed by way of beautiful osaekomi.
Upon transition to skilled wrestling, it took a while earlier than this legendary martial artist earned superstar standing. Apparently, he grew to become generally known as “the policeman of the promotion”, particularly throughout bouts along with his brother Mike LeBell. LeBell teamed up with Roy Staggs, the place he wrestled with a masks below the nickname “The Hangman”.
Lebell Lock
Created by legendary Gene LeBell, LeBell lock is the model of Omoplata designed to place a pressure on the scapula(shoulder blade), The humerus (higher arm), and the clavicle(collarbone). Additionally, if accomplished correctly the hips ought to present further stress on the arm, which ends up in a tapout.
Additionally, you will hear individuals calling it “sidebar Gene Lebell” as a result of the martial artist traps the opponent on his abdomen and overextends his neck for the additional layer of stress.
It’s efficient and entertaining, but it surely’d hardly work in opposition to an MMA fighter with a median BJJ protection as a result of you possibly can seize the attacked arm to stop an Omoplata try and roll towards your opponent to stop him from trapping your higher limb.
Why Is It Known as The LeBell Lock?
Due to its creator Ivan Gene LeBell. Daniel Bryan popularized this assault when he joined WWE, and these days you possibly can see Taiji Ishimori doing it sometimes. Additionally it is recognized below the identify “Sure Lock” within the skilled wrestling world.
Gene Lebell – Bruce Lee: The Actual-Life Occasion That Spawned The Bruce Lee Scene In As soon as Upon A Time In Hollywood
For those who’re a fan of Quentin Tarantino’s work, you then’ve most likely heard of the film “As soon as Upon A Time In Hollywood”, the place Bruce Lee labored as an actor. However there may be an fascinating story behind this film, and the fight between the 2 embellished martial arts masters – a Judo champion and the founding father of Jeet Kune Do.
Right here’s What Actually Occurred When Bruce Lee Fought A Stuntman In Hollywood
An smug Bruce Lee took half in a fist brawl with a stuntman to a stalemate, which made many individuals livid. Lee closely disagreed with Tarantino’s smug depiction of him, and plenty of noticed a toe-to-toe brawl with a stuntman, however what actually occurred? Nicely, preserve studying the story, it’s just about entertaining!
In 1966, Bruce Lee took half in an actual combat with stuntman Gene LeBell when Judoka unloaded a shocking transfer whereas they had been participating within the scene for the film “Inexperienced Hornet”. For Gene, it was a joke, but it surely appears the Chinese language legend didn’t perceive it that manner.
The Reel Battle
The smug Bruce Lee (Mike Moh) was standing on the Hollywood backlot performing some stunt work for the film “The Inexperienced Hornet”. He bragged that he’d beat up legendary Muhammad Ali in the event that they participated in fight. Stuntman Cliff Sales space (Brad Pitt) insulted Lee, calling him “a dancer”.
Lee challenged Sales space to combat, a “pleasant contest”, a combat choreography, the place they’ll see who’ll find yourself on his butt twice, and Cliff Sales space accepted the callout.
Lee jump-kicked Sales space to the canvas, then Sales space slammed Lee into the door of the automotive. The rating is 1-1, and so they started once more, however the stunt coordinator broke up the fight and it led to a draw.
Lee’s household and buddies got here to his protection, and Lee stated that he was not bragging in any respect, and added that “Muhammad Ali would beat him up within the combat”.
The Actual Battle
Whereas recording the scene for “The Inexperienced Hornet”, the legendary actor was too stiff in direction of different stuntmen, and the stunt coordinator Bennie Dobbins referred to as a harmful stuntman Gene LeBell to show him a lesson.
LeBell had an in depth background in preventing, and he determined to pursue his stunt profession. After they walked onto the scene, Dobbins advised Gene to place Lee in a headlock. LeBell picked him up and ran with Lee on his shoulders, whereas Lee was making humorous noises that made him well-known in lots of martial arts motion pictures.
Bruce began yelling at Ivan “Put me down or I’ll kill you!”, and Ivan responded, “I can’t put you down otherwise you’ll kill me.” The present continued, then Lee was placed on the bottom, and Judo Champion stated that he was simply kidding.
The Fallout
Many in Lee’s place would’ve felt ashamed due to the incident with a Judo man, however this second skyrocketed in reputation on the planet of martial artists, in Lee’s eyes.
Lee understood that Ivan found a significant flaw in Lee’s martial artwork Jeet Kune Doo, as Lee didn’t incorporate grappling into his kung fu fashion.
Did Judo Gene LeBell Defeat Bruce Lee? If not, Would Bruce Lee Have Been In a position To Defeat An Skilled Grappler Like Judo Gene?
Nicely, it was not an actual combat, only a showtime efficiency within the stunt world. However there was a large measurement and expertise distinction, so Bruce Lee would’ve most likely misplaced the combat as he lacked grappling and wrestling abilities. He would’ve most likely ended up pinned to the canvas. One artwork leaves many vulnerabilities.
Bruce Lee Vs Gene Lebell – Why Judo Gene Taught Bruce Lee?
Then Lee befriended Judo black belt, who taught him how one can grapple. The Judo champion confessed that he skilled with Lee and taught him grappling abilities, whereas Lee confirmed professional wrestler some kicking and punching methods in return.
It was one thing for one thing relationship, the place a grappler realized striker to grapple, whereas a super-fast striker taught heavyweight professional wrestling star how one can kick, counter, and throw explosive combos.
Did Bruce Lee Know Judo?
Not within the first place, however upon the stunt confrontation with Gene LeBell, he began studying it extensively.
Did Gene LeBell Battle Bruce Lee?
They didn’t combat for actual in entrance of the cameras, it was a stunt incident, directed by the stunt coordinator. But, the professional wrestling star skilled with Lee, in order that they most likely sparred sometimes.
Was Bruce Lee A Black Belt In Judo?
Bruce Lee studied historical Japanese martial artwork, however he by no means reached black belt standing. Why? Nicely, he did it within the Sixties, whereas belts had been launched by Jigoro Kano in Japan at the moment. Completely different places, so the reply isn’t any… additionally, Bruce has by no means talked about studying Judo in public.
What Did Gene LeBell Suppose Of Bruce Lee?
LeBell referred to as Lee an incredible martial artist and didn’t have any damaging ideas concerning the well-known actor.
Gene Lebell vs Steven Seagal
Steven Seagal is called the legend of Hollywood stunt work and films, however his confrontation with legendary LeBell didn’t finish properly. The Aikido grasp felt the true energy of catch wrestling and chokes.
What Did Gene LeBell Do To Steven Seagal?
Steven Seagal stated that he’d be resistant to being choked unconscious whereas working as a stunt coordinator for the film “Out of Justice”.
Sadly for Seagal, LeBell heard about his assertion and let Seagal show it, putting his arms round Seagal’s neck. When Steven stated “go”, he ended up unconscious with dropping management of his bowels.
That’s why you by no means pair one martial artist with an actor, combined martial arts and film will not be the identical. LeBell advised Black Belt Journal for a motive “you aren’t an entire martial artist except you do all the pieces”.
Gene LeBell Had A Hilarious Response To That Well-known Steven Seagal Story
LeBell provided a humorous response within the HourMMA podcast in 2012, and right here is his reply, phrase by phrase.“Nicely, if a man soils himself, you possibly can’t criticize him.As a result of if they only had a pleasant massive dinner an hour earlier than, you may generally tend to do this.”
LeBell Didn’t Deny The Story
Steven Seagal referred to as him “a pathological scumbag liar” in 2012, and insisted that nothing has ever occurred. But, LeBell did not deny the story.
“Closed mouths don’t catch any foot … If 30 persons are watching, allow them to discuss it.”
He stated that Steven bit greater than he can chew, and completed with one other humorous sentence.
“Generally, Steven tends to cheese off the incorrect individuals, and you will get damage doing that, y’know?”
Judo Gene LeBell Vs. Boxer Milo Savage: America’s First MMA Battle
Gene calls this fight the primary televised MMA bout – he was recognized principally for Judo, however he had an in depth background in boxing, Taekwondo, Kenpo, wrestling, and Karate. So, technically, it was a battle between a well-rounded MMA fighter, an entire martial artist, and a punching machine.
Ed Parker, Kenpo Karate man, got here to Gene LeBell’s grappling world and stated that Jim Beck referred to as them “Karate and Judo bums” and provided 1k to anybody he couldn’t beat. Then Karate guys determined he’d combat Beck as a result of he’s “probably the most sadistic bastard” they know.
He thought he’d be preventing Beck, however they modified the opponent and put Milo Savage, a boxer with a wrestling background. The combat came about in Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah.
LeBell received by way of choke within the fourth spherical in Salt Lake Metropolis because of his nice Judo abilities. After Savage was put to sleep, it took round 20 minutes to revive him. The subsequent morning, an attention grabbing headline appeared within the newspaper – “The Savage Was Tamed”. The old-school combined martial artist taught boxer a lesson.
Who Was Milo Savage?
Milo Savage was once a heavyweight boxer quantity 5 who participated within the first televised MMA battle in opposition to Gene LeBell.
A heavy-handed hitter with a strong proper hand was placing many individuals to sleep, however when all of the martial arts allowed, it will get tough for punchers as you can’t land massive highly effective punches off your again, plus you don’t prepare takedown protection in boxing. Milo Savage had some wrestling background, but it surely was not sufficient in opposition to a well-rounded man like Ivan.
Who Did Gene LeBell Practice?
LeBell skilled celebrities like Chuck Norris and Ronda Rousey, and plenty of different well-known stars who took half in motion pictures and actual fights.
Is Gene LeBell Lifeless?
Sure, sadly, he handed away in August 2022 in his sleep. However the legend of Judo Gene LeBell will reside perpetually, and his affect on the world of martial arts will likely be remembered.
Due to this martial artist, there are combined martial arts competitions throughout the globe, individuals had been calling LeBell “The Godfather of Wrestling” for a motive!
FAQs
What happened with Gene LeBell and Bruce Lee? ›
Did Gene LeBell Fight Bruce Lee? They didn't fight for real in front of the cameras, it was a stunt incident, directed by the stunt coordinator. Yet, the pro wrestling star trained with Lee, so they probably sparred from time to time.
How old is Judo Gene LeBell? › What movies did Gene LeBell play in? ›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.
Who is the best martial artist in history? ›It is widely accepted by fighters and other people around the world that Bruce Lee was the most influential martial artist of all time. From his famous action movies to his unique martial art of Jeet Kune Do, the legend of Bruce Lee has held strong.
Did Gene LeBell fight Steven Seagal? ›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.
Is there still a Yuko in judo? ›Yuko used to be a level of score behind Waza-ari and Koka was worth less then Yuko, ultimately making it the lowest score at the time. Both scores were abolished almost a decade ago.
Is Judo Master a real DC character? ›Judomaster is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. An unidentified incarnation of Judomaster appears in the DC Extended Universe television series Peacemaker, played by Nhut Le.
Is judo separated by gender? ›Judo is an example of sport where the genders are equal in every aspect of competition, from rules, prize money, competition opportunities and mixed team events, making judo appealing for girls and women.
How big was Gene LeBell? ›LeBell was born Ivan Gene LeBell on October 9, 1932. He stands 5 feet and 10 inches tall. His mother was Aileen Eaton, better known as “Red Head”.
How tall is Gene LeBell? ›
Did Bruce Lee practice judo? ›Lee favored cross-training between different fighting styles, and had a particular interest in grappling. Lee trained with several judo practitioners in Seattle and California, among them Fred Sato, Jesse Glover, Taky Kimura, Hayward Nishioka and Wally Jay, as well as Gene LeBell.
What did Gene LeBell say about Bruce Lee? ›“He was the best martial artist of his time,” LeBell recalled in Black Belt Magazine. “Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts, and we would get together frequently. We worked out about 10 to 12 times at his place in Los Angeles' Chinatown and at my place.”
Who trained Bruce Lee first? ›Bruce began his martial arts training with Wing Chun master, Yip Man (pictured), in Hong Kong, at 13. Bruce trained with Yip and Yip's top students until he left for the USA in 1959.
Who is the most loved martial artist? ›Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee is ranked first among the top 10 martial artists in the world in 2021. Lee Jun-fan (27 November 1940 - 20 July 1973) was a Chinese martial art performer, star, film maker, martial art teacher, and philosopher.
1. Michelle Yeoh – The 2023 Oscar-winner for best actress is known for her graceful martial arts moves. Yeoh is a Malaysian actress and former Miss Malaysia has starred in numerous action-packed movies, including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Supercop, and, of course, Everything Everywhere All at Once. 2.
Is Steven Seagal a real black belt? ›Steven Frederic Seagal (/sɪˈɡɑːl/; born April 10, 1952) is an American-born actor, screenwriter, and martial artist. A 7th-dan black belt in aikido, he began his adult life as a martial arts instructor in Japan and eventually ended up running his father-in-law's dojo.
Can Aikido be effective? ›Aikido training is not only good for health, but also develops self-confidence naturally for daily life. In Aikido you learn techniques to defend against a variety of attacks such as kicks, punches, single-hand or two-hand grabs from the front or rear, chokes, multiple person attacks, and attacks with weapons.
What's the difference between judo and aikido? ›There are two principle differences between Aikido and Judo. First, Judo is a sport and it has tournaments and medals. There are many rules that govern matches and certain moves are not allowed. Aikido is non-competitive and is practiced for self-improvement and effective self-defense.
What is not allowed in judo? ›Intentionally injuring an opponent is not permitted. Punching, kicking, and other strikes are not allowed. Touching the opponent's face is not allowed. Attacking joints other than the elbow is not allowed.
What does senpai mean in judo? ›
In Japanese the word is used more broadly to mean "teacher" or "master." Like sensei, senpai is used in English in contexts of martial arts as well as religious instruction, in particular Buddhism. Sensei in those contexts refers to someone of a higher rank than senpai.
Is Judomaster stronger than Peacemaker? ›Abilities. Peak human condition: Judomaster is very physically fit. While he is not as strong as Peacemaker, he is very quick, agile and was able to use his own strength against him.
Why was Judomaster crying? ›Judomaster Really Believed In The Butterflies
In the Peacemaker finale, Judomaster is referenced by Goff and seen crying at the aftermath of the battle with the Butterflies.
Judomaster is a major antagonist in Season 1 in the DC Extended Universe series Peacemaker. He is a highly skilled and dangerous martial artist and the former bodyguard to Senator Royland Goff. He is portrayed by Nhut Le.
Who is the best female judo? ›| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Profile at external databases | |
| IJF | 52630 |
| JudoInside.com | 2970 |
| Updated on 24 October 2022. | |
In judo and some other martial arts, tori is the person who completes the technique against the training partner, called uke. Regardless of the situation, the principle is that "tori" is always the one who successfully completes a technique.
Why is judo good for girls? ›Women who pursue martial arts studies learn useful self-defense maneuvers. Judo and Jui Jitsu teach the diligent student how to defend herself using learned techniques—as opposed to employing immense strength. Women inevitably tap into their innate capability to defeat menacing attackers who are much larger than them.
How was Bruce Lee so fit? ›Accordingly, Lee employed training methods from boxing such as skipping and road running to improve his endurance. He would run four to five miles each morning and lifted weights three nights a week, installing a squat rack, bench press, dumbbells, grip machine and an isometric machine in his garage.
Is Gene LeBell married? › Who trained Davey Richards? ›| Davey Richards | |
|---|---|
| Billed from | Othello, Washington St. Louis, Missouri |
| Trained by | Tony Kozina Paul Orndorff |
| Debut | 2004 |
| Retired | March 17, 2023 |
Is Judo Gene Lebell still alive? ›
What did Chuck Norris think of Bruce Lee? ›Chuck Norris: "The truth is Lee was a formidable opponent with a chiseled physique and technique. I totally enjoyed sparring and just spending time with him. He was as charismatic and friendly in the ring and at home as he was on film. His confidence and wit were dazzling, and sometimes even debilitating to others.
Who inherited Bruce Lee money? ›It is believed his wife, Linda Lee Cadwell, inherited most of Lee's wealth after his death and earned royalties from his posthumous film releases.
What did Bruce Lee have removed? ›Why Did He Get His Armpit Sweat Glands Removed? Bruce Lee faced an issue with excessive sweating while he used to perform stunts. In order to achieve the sweat-free look, Lee had his sweat glands removed from under his armpits, according to Cheat Sheet.
Who was the guy who taught Bruce Lee? ›But have you ever heard of Ip Man, the man who taught Lee how to fight? In the first half of the 20th century, in in the village of Foshan in Guangdong Province, Southern China, there lived a man known as Master Ip, or Ip Man.
Who is stronger Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan? ›Without any doubt Bruce Lee will win. Jackie Chan is more of actor rather than martial artist. Whereas Bruce Lee is actor but he is an expert martial artist and he has developed his own martial art named Jeet Kune Do.
Is Chuck Norris a real martial artist? ›Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris (born March 10, 1940) is an American martial artist and actor. He is a black belt in Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu jitsu and judo. After serving in the United States Air Force, Norris won many martial arts championships and later founded his own discipline Chun Kuk Do.
Did Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris get along? ›In fact, the two had sparred on multiple occasions, and Norris was always in awe of Lee's speed and power. In one interview, the Hong Kong star even claimed that beating figures such as Joe Lewis, Mike Stone and Chuck Norris was like fighting children.
Who owns the rights to Bruce Lee? ›Bruce Lee Enterprises (BLE) has asserted that it has undisputed ownership of all intellectual property rights related to Bruce Lee and is the sole owner of all worldwide rights relating to Bruce Lee's name, image, likeness, persona, signature, voice, attributes, marks, logos, symbols, works, photographs and writings.
How rich was Bruce Lee when he died? ›Bruce Lee was a Chinese-American martial artist, martial arts instructor and movie star who had a net worth equal to $10 million dollars at the time of his death in 1973 (after adjusting for inflation).
Did Linda Cadwell love Bruce Lee? ›
Bruce Lee met Linda Cadwell at the University of Washington where he worked as a martial art teacher. She became his student and eventually fell in love with him.
What was Bruce Lee suffering from? ›Bruce Lee's death was officially ruled to be the result of cerebral oedema caused by hypersensitivity to Equagesic.
How did Bruce Lee not get big? ›Lee went with lighter weights and higher repetitions to maintain a lean and ripped look, instead of getting big like a bodybuilder. According to Polly, Lee knew he needed to train hard to land leading roles in Hollywood, which was dominated by taller, muscle-bound white men.
Did Bruce Lee heal his back? ›Knowing that losing kung fu meant that he would never become a star, Lee endeavored to recover from his condition. With the help of acupuncture, Cortisone injections, and Chinese medicine, Lee rehabilitated himself and slowly worked his way up to a point where he could practice martial arts again.
Who was Bruce Lee's top students? ›Some of Bruce's celebrity students included Steve McQueen, James Coburn, Stirling Silliphant, Roman Polanski, Sharon Tate and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Who was the biggest guy Bruce Lee fought? ›Wong Jack-man (born 1941 – December 26, 2018) was a Chinese martial artist and teacher. He was best known for his controversial duel with Bruce Lee in 1964.
Who was Ip Man's best student? ›Leung Sheung – The Overlooked Wing Chun Master
Although he was Ip Man's top student in Hong Kong, Leung Sheung's modest nature was one of the main things that has kept him from being more well known.