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'{{Short description|American judoka and martial arts instructor (1932–2022)}} {{Redirect|The Hangman (wrestler)|similar uses|Hangman (disambiguation)#Ring name{{!}}Hangman § Ring name}} {{More references|date=May 2021}} {{Use American English|date=August 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}} {{Infobox person | name = Gene LeBell | image = | image_size = | other_names = "Judo" | birth_name = Ivan Gene LeBell | birth_date = {{Birth date|1932|10|9}} | birth_place = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S. | death_date = {{Death date and age|2022|8|9|1932|10|9}} | death_place = [[Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California]], U.S. | occupation = {{Hlist|Martial arts instructor|actor|stunt performer|stunt coordinator}} | module = {{Infobox martial artist | embed = yes | image = | image_size = | caption = | teacher = Larry Coughran | martial_art = [[Catch Wrestling]], [[Judo]], [[Jujutsu]], [[Boxing]], [[Jeet Kune Do]] | rank = {{Plainlist| * {{Color box|red}} ''10th degree red belt in [[Judo]]'' * {{Color box|black}} ''9th degree black belt in [[Jujutsu]]'' * {{Color box|black}} ''10th degree black belt in [[Kyokushin Budokai]]''<ref name=ibk>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibk.nl/black-belts-ibk|title=IBK International Kyokushin Budokai – Blak Belts|website=International Kyokushin Budokai|access-date=November 9, 2019|archive-date=November 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109212547/https://www.ibk.nl/black-belts-ibk|url-status=live}}</ref> }} | students = {{Flatlist| * [[Chuck Norris]] * [[Gokor Chivichyan]] * [[Karo Parisyan]] * [[Neil Melanson]] * [[Robert Wall]] * [[Ed Parker]] * [[Manny Gamburyan]] * [[Ronda Rousey]] * [[Tony Halme]] * [[Roddy Piper]] * [[Benny Urquidez]] * [[Bruce Lee]] * [[Dan Inosanto]] }} }} | module2 = {{Infobox professional wrestler|child=yes | names = {{Plainlist| * Gene LeBell * The Hangman }} | height = 5 ft 10 in | trainer = {{Plainlist| * [[Ed Lewis (wrestler)|Ed "Strangler" Lewis]] * [[Lou Thesz]] * [[Karl Gotch]] }} | debut = December 10, 1955 | retired = August 29, 1980 }} }} '''Ivan Gene''' "'''Judo'''" '''LeBell''' (October 9, 1932 – August 9, 2022) was an American judoka, [[stunt performer]], actor, and [[professional wrestler]]. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized [[grappling]] in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern [[mixed martial arts]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fightland.vice.com/blog/roots-of-fight-brings-us-the-story-of-judo-gene-lebell--mma-pioneer-and-terrifying-old-man|title=Roots of Fight Brings Us the Story of "Judo" Gene LeBell – MMA Pioneer and Terrifying Old Man|website=Fightland|language=en|access-date=November 4, 2019|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820224828/http://fightland.vice.com/blog/roots-of-fight-brings-us-the-story-of-judo-gene-lebell--mma-pioneer-and-terrifying-old-man|url-status=live}}</ref> He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Roots of Fight Brings Us the Story of "Judo" Gene LeBell – MMA Pioneer and Terrifying Old Man |url=http://fightland.vice.com/blog/roots-of-fight-brings-us-the-story-of-judo-gene-lebell--mma-pioneer-and-terrifying-old-man |work=Fightland |date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2014 |archive-date=January 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103160250/http://fightland.vice.com/blog/roots-of-fight-brings-us-the-story-of-judo-gene-lebell--mma-pioneer-and-terrifying-old-man |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted LeBell to 9th [[Dan (rank)|dan]] in [[jujitsu]] and [[taihojutsu]]. On August 7, 2004, the World Martial Arts Masters Association promoted him to 10th degree. In February 2005, the USJJF made him 9th dan in judo.<ref>[http://www.usatkj.org/bio/lebell/index.html Gene LeBell biography] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423020547/http://www.usatkj.org/bio/lebell/index.html |date=April 23, 2008}} – at the ''USA Traditional Kodokan Judo'' website (a program of the ''USJJF'')</ref> LeBell has been reported as the inspiration for the character of Cliff Booth ([[Brad Pitt]]) in [[Quentin Tarantino]]'s ''[[Once Upon a Time in Hollywood]]''. However, Tarantino disputes this claim.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Atkin|first=Nicolas|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kung-fu/article/3022773/could-gene-lebell-beat-bruce-lee-meet-real-life-cliff|title=Could Gene LeBell beat up Bruce Lee? Meet the real life Cliff Booth from 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'|work=[[South China Morning Post]]|date=August 15, 2019|access-date=December 4, 2021|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127005347/https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kung-fu/article/3022773/could-gene-lebell-beat-bruce-lee-meet-real-life-cliff|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Early life== Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. He started training in [[catch wrestling]] and [[boxing]] from his early childhood, influenced by his mother, "Red Head" Aileen Eaton, a promoter of both sports who owned the [[Olympic Auditorium]] in Los Angeles,<ref name="Nils">{{better reference|date=May 2021}} Thomas Nilsson, ''A Conversation with "The Toughest Man Alive": "Judo" Gene LeBell Has Seen and Done It All in a 50-Year Martial Arts Career'', [[Black Belt (magazine)|Black Belt magazine]], February 1999</ref> and who was the first woman to be inducted into the [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gutknecht |first1=Hans |last2=Martin |first2=Brian |title=Gene LeBell, iconic martial arts pioneer, dies at the age of 89 |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2022/08/11/gene-lebell-iconic-martial-arts-pioneer-dies-at-the-age-of-89/ |access-date=27 March 2024 |work=Daily News |date=11 August 2022}}</ref> LeBell took up [[catch wrestling]] under [[Ed Lewis (wrestler)|Ed "Strangler" Lewis]] at age 7, and later moved to train in [[judo]]. After getting his [[dan (rank)|black belt]], he went to [[Japanese martial arts|Japan]] to train in judo at the [[Kodokan]].<ref name=Shooters>{{Cite book|author=Jonathan Snowden|title=Shooters: The Toughest Men in Professional Wrestling|date=2012|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|isbn=978-17-709022-1-3}}</ref> ==Career== ===Early career=== After returning to the United States, LeBell competed as a heavyweight.<ref name=Nils/> In 1954 and 1955, while only 22 years of age, he captured both the heavyweight and overall [[Amateur Athletic Union]] National Judo Championships. His very first match was against John Osako, one of the highest ranked judokas at the national level. LeBell earned the upset win via an [[Osaekomi-waza|osaekomi]]. Afterward, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling.<ref name=Nils/> Despite his pedigree, he did not get over immediately with audiences but gradually became known for his martial arts background. He eventually adopted the role as "policeman" for the promotion, maintaining law and order, especially during matches involving his brother Mike LeBell.<ref name=Shooters/> Gene also wrestled under a black mask as '''The Hangman''', teaming up with Roy Staggs.<ref name=Shooters/> ===Milo Savage match=== In 1963, LeBell became involved with a challenge by boxer and writer Jim Beck to the practitioners of [[Japanese martial arts]]. Beck claimed that a boxer could defeat any martial artist in a straight fight and offered $1000 to anyone who could prove otherwise. Beck engaged in abundant [[trash-talk]], but revealed a very limited knowledge of martial arts, seemingly mistaking judo for [[karate]].<ref name=Ali>[http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/2/17/2798886/mma-origins-american-experiments-Judo-Gene-LeBell-Muhammed-Ali-Antonio-Inoki MMA Origins: American Experiments] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923231201/http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/2/17/2798886/mma-origins-american-experiments-Judo-Gene-LeBell-Muhammed-Ali-Antonio-Inoki |date=September 23, 2015 }}, Bloodyelbow.com, 2012</ref> Encouraged by [[Ed Parker]],<ref name=Shooters/> LeBell accepted the challenge and travelled to [[Salt Lake, Utah|Salt Lake City]] to meet Beck. To his surprise, he learned his opponent would not be Beck but another boxer, journeyman Milo Savage, who LeBell claimed also had a background in [[amateur wrestling]]. An agreement was reached for the match to last five rounds, each lasting three minutes. 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. An additional stipulation prevented LeBell from attempting [[Tackle (football move)|tackle]]s or [[Takedown (grappling)|takedown]]s under the waist.<ref name=Nils/><ref name=Shooters/> In return, Savage offered to wear a [[judogi]]. On the day of the match, Savage appeared wearing a [[karategi]] instead, much tighter and harder to grab. The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference.<ref name=black>[https://books.google.com/books?id=RNkDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA1 Dewey Lawes Falcone, ''Judo Versus Boxing''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140615171653/http://books.google.com/books?id=RNkDAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA1&lr=&rview=1&pg=PA1 |date=June 15, 2014}}, Black Belt Magazine May 1964. URL accessed on April 2, 2010.</ref> According to LeBell and other sources, Savage's gloves allegedly contained [[brass knuckles]]<ref name=Ali/><ref name=black/> and his gi was greased with [[vaseline]] to make gripping it more difficult.<ref name=Nils/><ref name=Ali/> The unusual stipulations convinced LeBell the Savage camp, far from being ignorant about martial arts, had trained Savage in judo in order to defend against LeBell's throws.<ref name=Ali/> The match took place on December 2, 1963. The combatants were initially cautious, with LeBell being the first in pressing the action by attempting to throw Savage down. The boxer blocked the move, which LeBell claimed aggravated an old shoulder injury.<ref name=black/> 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.<ref name=Nils/><ref name=black/> Savage even attempted to [[Sweep (martial arts)|sweep]] the judoka in one instance.<ref name=black/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usadojo.com/gene-lebell-vs-milo-savage-gene-lebell-saved-martial-arts/|title=Gene LeBell vs Milo Savage: Gene LeBell Saved Martial Arts|first=Terry|last=Wilson|date=January 1, 2013|access-date=October 9, 2019|archive-date=October 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009121426/https://www.usadojo.com/gene-lebell-vs-milo-savage-gene-lebell-saved-martial-arts/|url-status=live}}</ref> Nevertheless, LeBell got [[Mount (grappling)|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.<ref>Jonathan Snowden, ''MMA Encyclopedia'', 2010, ECW Press</ref> Finally, he performed a left [[harai goshi]] in the fourth round and followed by locking a [[rear naked choke]]. Within seconds, Savage fell unconscious and LeBell was declared the winner.<ref name=black/> The loss by Savage, the hometown favorite, caused the crowd to react violently. Bottles, chairs, and other debris were thrown into the ring. To prevent a full-blown riot, hometown hero and rated professional boxer Jay Fullmer (brother of boxers [[Gene Fullmer|Gene]] and [[Don Fullmer]]) entered the ring to congratulate LeBell. According to 1999 interview with LeBell, 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. Despite this, LeBell claims that a man tried to [[stabbing|stab]] him on the way out and the latter had to be protected by the judokas and professional wrestlers who accompanied him.<ref name=Nils/><ref name=Shooters/> Dewey Lewes Falcone, who attended the event and wrote a round-by-round recap for [[Black Belt (magazine)|Black Belt]] magazine, made no mention of either of these events as claimed by LeBell.<ref name="black" /> As noted by Black Belt in a write-up about LeBell following his death in 2022 that briefly covered the event, he was known to fabricate stories regarding his exploits.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryan |first=Andrew |date=2022-10-05 |title=The Life & Times of Gene LeBell |url=https://www.blackbeltmag.com/the-life-times-of-gene-lebell |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=Black Belt Magazine |language=en}}</ref> As a result, it is possible that many of the claims he made regarding the fight, such as the use of brass knuckles, the audience member attempting to stab LeBell, and the extent of Savage's grappling experience, may be exaggerated or outright fabricated. ===After retiring=== 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. In June 1976, LeBell refereed the infamous boxing-versus-wrestling [[Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki|contest between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki]] in Tokyo, Japan. LeBell was selected from over 200 other applicants to referee the bout.<ref>Dave Meltzer. [https://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=dm-boxers032608&prov=yhoo&type=lgns Boxers in wrestling a rich tradition] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403131901/http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=dm-boxers032608&prov=yhoo&type=lgns |date=April 3, 2008}}. March 27, 2008.</ref> He also continued to work in professional wrestling intermittently, wrestling his final match on August 29, 1981, against [[Peter Maivia]] for [[NWA Hollywood Wrestling]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Matches « Gene LeBell « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=6053&page=4&year=1981&promotion=9|url-status=live|access-date=July 18, 2021|archive-date=July 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718002653/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=6053&page=4&year=1981&promotion=9}}</ref> LeBell has opened two martial art schools in cooperation with others and has touted his 1963 match with Milo Savage as the first televised [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]] fight in America.<ref name="youtube.com">{{YouTube|n9mER2BmNRA|MMA History – Gene Lebell VS Milo Savage, 1963}}</ref><ref>The Godfather of Grappling (authorised biography of LeBell) by "Judo" Gene LeBell, Bob Calhoun, George Foon, and Noelle Kim. 2005</ref> In 1994, LeBell counted [[kickboxing]] champion [[Benny Urquidez]] and [[Brazilian jiu-jitsu]] practitioners the [[Machado brothers]] among his training partners.<ref name=Nils/> 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. Being 63 years old, LeBell declined to compete or to send a representative, instead suggesting a match against Royce's 82-year-old father, the renowned [[Hélio Gracie]]. 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.<ref>[[Royce Gracie]], ''The Ultimate Fighter – The Rumor Mill'', ''Black Belt'' magazine, June 1995</ref> Ultimately, nothing came from it. 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. The Cauliflower Alley Club presented the award. 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]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/list-of-cac-award-winners/ |title=List of CAC Award Winners |publisher=Cauliflower Alley Club |access-date=August 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140413080042/http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/list-of-cac-award-winners/ |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ===Television and film work === LeBell has worked on over 1,000 films, TV shows and commercials as a stuntman or as an actor (including multiple appearances as himself). LeBell appeared in three [[Elvis Presley]] movies as a minor character who starts a fight with the character played by Presley.{{cn|date=May 2021}} In addition he also worked on the set of the ''[[Green Hornet]]'' TV show, in which he developed a friendship with [[Bruce Lee]]. Lee was especially interested in exploring grappling with help from him and exchanged ideas<ref>{{Cite news|title=Where Are They Now? |work=[[Inside Kung Fu]] |url=http://www.insidekung-fu.com/content/view/124/36/ |access-date=January 22, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713040915/http://www.insidekung-fu.com/content/view/124/36/ |archive-date=July 13, 2011 }}</ref> on various fighting techniques.<ref name="SI">{{Cite magazine |last1=Jacobs |first1=Mark |title=TOUGH GUYS WEAR PINK IN ANY COLOR, JUDO MASTER AND FILM STUNTMAN GENE LEBELL IS ONE HARD HOMBRE |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1995/04/03/tough-guys-wear-pink-in-any-color-judo-master-and-film-stuntman-gene-lebell-is-one-hard-hombre |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727153940/https://vault.si.com/vault/1995/04/03/tough-guys-wear-pink-in-any-color-judo-master-and-film-stuntman-gene-lebell-is-one-hard-hombre |url-status=live }}</ref> LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts – Budojujitsu". 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 Thomas...much to LeBell's regret. The program featured several other martial artists including Graciela Casilas, [[Karen Sheperd]], Victor Ledbetter, Steve Sanders, brothers [[Benny Urquidez|Benny]] and Reuben Urquidez, and Dave Vaden.{{cn|date=May 2021}} On March 23, 1991, LeBell was awarded the Honorary "Reel" Membership by the Ring of Friendship of the Cauliflower Alley Club. This award is only given to a select few. 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).{{cn|date=May 2021}} ===Conflict with Steven Seagal=== 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]]. It has been alleged that at some point LeBell heard about the claim and gave Seagal the opportunity to prove it. 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.<ref name=sing/> 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.<ref name=Nils/> 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.<ref name=sing>{{cite web |last1=Jenness |first1=Kirik |title=Gene LeBell talks Steven Seagal s----ing himself |url=https://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/gene-lebell-talks-steven-seagal-s-ing-himself |website=mixedmartialarts.com MMA Underground |access-date=March 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151128125827/http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/390705/Gene-LeBell-talks-Steven-Seagal-s----ing-himself/ |archive-date=November 28, 2015}}</ref> He was quoted as saying: "When we had a little altercation or difference of opinion, there were thirty stuntmen and cameramen that were watching. Sometimes Steven has a tendency to cheese off the wrong people, and you can get hurt doing that."<ref>[https://www.mmafighting.com/strikeforce/2012/3/11/2858055/judo-gene-lebell-ronda-rousey-mma-judging-choking-out-steven-segal https://www.mmafighting.com/strikeforce/2012/3/11/2858055/judo-gene-lebell-ronda-rousey-mma-judging-choking-out-steven-segal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006123532/https://www.mmafighting.com/strikeforce/2012/3/11/2858055/judo-gene-lebell-ronda-rousey-mma-judging-choking-out-steven-segal |date=October 6, 2019 }}. MMMAFighting.com.</ref> After being asked whether he was not going to directly confirm it, LeBell said: "Well, if thirty people are watching, let them talk about it."<ref name=sing/> When Seagal was asked about the incident, he denied the incident took place, calling LeBell a "sick, pathological scumbag liar" and offered the name of a witness who could discredit the other account.<ref>[https://www.mixedmartialarts.com/vault/judo/rousey-i-bet-i-could-beat-steven-seagal Steven Seagal denies Gene LeBell made him poop his pants] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819042920/https://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma/rousey-i-bet-i-could-beat-steven-seagal/ |date=August 19, 2021 }}. Mixedmartialarts.com.</ref> Seagal bodyguard and stuntman Steven Lambert, stated he was present and said that a confrontation did happen. According to Lambert, Seagal explained to LeBell that he did not believe his choke hold was effective, and that he could escape from it. LeBell demonstrated the choke hold by putting it on Seagal. Before LeBell could lock the hold, however, Seagal side stepped and swung his forearm backward into his crotch. LeBell came off the floor by a few feet. As soon as he landed, LeBell used a foot sweep to sweep Seagal off the floor, with Seagal landing on his back. LeBell helped Seagal up.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yFI_PhGPbc |title=Truth Finally Revealed on Seagal and LeBell According to Actual Eyewitness Steven Lambert Testimony! |website=YouTube |access-date=March 23, 2021 |archive-date=March 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210317131125/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yFI_PhGPbc |url-status=live }}</ref> ===Teaching=== LeBell has earned himself the nicknames ''"Judo" Gene LeBell'', ''"the Godfather of Grappling"'' and also ''"the toughest man alive"'' for his participation in combat sports. In addition to his judo background, LeBell has an extensive background in [[submission wrestling|submission grappling]] and [[catch wrestling]], and has trained under [[Lou Thesz]], [[Karl Gotch]] and [[Ed "Strangler" Lewis]]. He has trained with or taught grappling skills to many well-known wrestlers and martial artists, such as [[Benny Urquidez|Benny "The Jet" Urquidez]], [[Robert Wall|Bob Wall]], [[Chuck Norris]], [[Ed Parker]], [[Gokor Chivichyan]], [[Karo Parisyan]], [[Roddy Piper|"Rowdy" Roddy Piper]], [[Mando Guerrero]], [[Manny Gamburyan]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Legendary Match Ups |url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/legendary-match-ups-12734/ |work=LowKick MMA |date=May 14, 2011 |access-date=August 19, 2018 |archive-date=October 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005071841/https://www.lowkickmma.com/legendary-match-ups-12734/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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. A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. 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. 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.<ref name=SI/> LeBell is associated with [[Gokor Chivichyan]]'s Hayastan MMA Academy where he taught grappling classes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Markazi |first=Arash |date=October 22, 2010 |title=Gokor Chivichyan's influence felt |url=http://www.espn.com/los-angeles/news/story?id=5711459 |work=ESPN.com |access-date=August 19, 2018 |archive-date=September 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923131424/http://www.espn.com/los-angeles/news/story?id=5711459 |url-status=live }}</ref> He also did interviews for magazines, newspapers, and radio. LeBell judged fights for several decades, but retired from it after [[Golden Boy Promotions#Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion|Golden Boy Promotions: Liddell vs. Ortiz 3]] on November 24, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/11/judo-gene-lebell-retires-mma-judging-chuck-liddell-tito-ortiz-3-ronda-rousey|title='Judo' Gene LeBell retires from MMA judging following Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 event|date=November 25, 2018|publisher=mmajunkie.com|access-date=November 29, 2018|archive-date=November 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129184149/https://mmajunkie.com/2018/11/judo-gene-lebell-retires-mma-judging-chuck-liddell-tito-ortiz-3-ronda-rousey|url-status=live}}</ref> 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. He was seen in Rousey's corner during matches and celebrated her victories with her.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/gene-lebell-and-ronda-rousey-s-gold-lineage-021914 |title=Gene LeBell and Ronda Rousey's golden lineage |work=Fox Sports |access-date=August 6, 2015 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924123209/http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/gene-lebell-and-ronda-rousey-s-gold-lineage-021914 |url-status=live }}</ref> ==Legal issues== LeBell was arrested, charged with, and tried for the July 1976 murder of [[private investigator]] Robert Duke Hall. He was acquitted of the murder charge but convicted as an accessory for driving the convicted murderer, [[Pornography|pornographer]] Jack Ginsburgs, to and from the murder scene. LeBell's conviction for being an accessory was later overturned by the [[California Courts of Appeal]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Farr|first=Bill|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-10-08-mn-4860-story.html|title=Killer's Impending Parole Scuttled by Extortion Plot|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=October 8, 1986|access-date=August 22, 2021|url-access=limited|archive-date=August 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822202454/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-10-08-mn-4860-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> LeBell and Ginsburgs were former friends and business partners of Hall. Inside Hall's residence police discovered hours of [[Telephone tapping|wire-tapped]] recordings, some of which led to the resignation of the [[Beverly Hills]] police department chief of police. Other recordings discovered had ties to the presidential campaign of [[Richard Nixon]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lindsey|first=Robert|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/13/archives/los-angeles-stirred-by-detectives-mysterious-death.html|title=Los Angeles Stirred by Detective's Mysterious Death|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=September 13, 1976|access-date=August 22, 2021|url-access=limited|archive-date=August 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822204255/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/13/archives/los-angeles-stirred-by-detectives-mysterious-death.html|url-status=live}}</ref> == Death == On August 9, 2022, LeBell died in his sleep.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=August 10, 2022 |title=Judo legend Gene LeBell passes away aged 89 years old |url=https://budodragon.com/judo-legend-gene-lebell-passes-away-aged-89-years-old/ |access-date=August 10, 2022 |website=BudoDragon |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/gene-lebell-dead-famed-stuntman-godfather-of-grappling-dies-1235196322/ | title=Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89 | website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=August 10, 2022 }}</ref> ==Works== LeBell authored at least twelve books, including: * ''The Handbook of Judo: An Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide to Winning Sport Judo'' by Gene LeBell and Lauri C. Coughran. 1962, 1963, 1969, 1971, 1975, 1996. * ''Your Personal Handbook of Self-defense'' by Gene LeBell. 1964, 1976. * ''Judo and Self-defense for the Young Adult'' by Gene LeBell. 1971. * ''Pro-Wrestling Finishing Holds'' by "Judo" Gene LeBell. 1985, 1990. * ''Grappling Master: Combat for Street Defense and Competition'' by Gene LeBell. 1992. * ''Gene LeBell's Handbook of Self-Defense'' by Gene LeBell. 1996. * ''Gene LeBell – The Grappling Club Master'' by Gene LeBell, Ben Springer, and Steve Kim. 1999. * ''Grappling and Self-Defense for the Young Adult'' by Gene LeBell and Bob Ryder. 2002. * ''How to Break Into Pro Wrestling: "Judo" Gene LeBell's Insider Guide to the Biz'' by Gene Lebell and Mark Jacobs. 2003. * ''Gene LeBell's Grappling World: The Encyclopedia of Finishing Holds'' by Gene LeBell. 1998, 2000(2nd expanded edition), 2005(3rd edition). * ''The Godfather of Grappling'' (authorised biography of LeBell) by "Judo" Gene LeBell, Bob Calhoun, George Foon, and Noelle Kim. 2005.<ref>{{Cite book | url=https://www.amazon.com/Godfather-Grappling-Lebell-January-Hardcover/dp/B014IBXW6A/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2L0CCOPYAE8JN&keywords=gene+lebell%2C+godfather&qid=1652809880&sprefix=gene+lebell%2C+godfather%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-2 | title=The Godfather of Grappling by Lebell, "Judo" Gene (January 17, 2005) Hardcover | date=January 17, 2005 | publisher=Gene LeBell | isbn=9780967654355 }}</ref> ==Championships and accomplishments== ===Judo=== *'''[[Amateur Athletic Union]]''' **AAU National Judo Championship (1954) **AAU National Judo Championship (1955) ===Professional wrestling=== *'''[[50th State Big Time Wrestling]]''' **[[NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/hi/hi-h.html|title=Hawaii Heavyweight Title|website=Wrestling-Titles.com|access-date=September 20, 2010|archive-date=May 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516162913/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/hi/hi-h.html|url-status=live}}</ref> *'''[[Cauliflower Alley Club]]''' **Iron Mike Mazurki Award ([[Cauliflower Alley Club#1995|1995]]) *'''[[Heart of America Sports Attractions|Central States Wrestling]]''' **[[NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/centralstates/nwa/cs-h.html|title=NWA Central States Heavyweight Title|website=Wrestling-Titles.com|access-date=September 20, 2010|archive-date=August 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828003242/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/centralstates/nwa/cs-h.html|url-status=live}}</ref> *'''[[George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame]]''' **Frank Gotch Award (2005) *'''[[National Wrestling Alliance]]''' **[[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of NWA World Heavyweight Champions|1 time, unrecognized]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theringer.com/2022/8/16/23306946/gene-lebell-death-obituary-judoka-pro-wrestling-hollywood-stuntman|title=Gene LeBell Did It All|author=Lee Bateman, Oliver|work=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]|date=August 16, 2022|accessdate=July 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2006/10/19/straight-shooting-with-judo-gene-lebell/|title=Straight shooting with ‘Judo’ Gene LeBell|date=October 19, 2006|accessdate=July 10, 2023|work=[[Slam! Wrestling]]|author=Hillhouse, Dave}}</ref> **[[NWA Hall of Fame]] (Class of 2011)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1321297139 |title=NWA Hall of Fame Class for 2011 announced |last=Gerweck |first=Steve |date=November 14, 2011 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117014039/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1321297139 |archive-date=November 17, 2011 }}</ref> *'''[[NWA Hollywood Wrestling]]''' **[[NWA Americas Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Americas Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Chino Chou<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/s/hw/ams-t.html|title=NWA Americas Tag Team Title|website=Wrestling-Titles.com|access-date=October 9, 2019|archive-date=January 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115044105/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/s/hw/ams-t.html|url-status=live}}</ref> **[[NWA "Beat the Champ" Television Championship]] ([[NWA "Beat the Champ" Television Championship#title history|1 time]]) *'''[[Western States Sports]]''' **[[NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Amarillo version)|NWA North American Heavyweight Championship ''(Amarillo version)'']] ([[NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Amarillo version)#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/w/nwa/wt-na-h.html|title=North American Heavyweight Title (W. Texas)|website=Wrestling-Titles.com|access-date=October 9, 2019|archive-date=September 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916095704/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/w/nwa/wt-na-h.html|url-status=live}}</ref> *'''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]''''' ** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Obnoxious|Most Obnoxious]] (1981) ==Mixed martial arts record== {{MMArecordbox |draws= |nc= |ko-wins= |ko-losses= |sub-wins=1 |sub-losses= |dec-wins= |dec-losses= |dq-wins= |dq-losses= |other-wins= |other-losses= }} {{MMA record start}} |- |{{yes2}}Win |align=center|1–0 |Milo Savage |Technical Submission (rear naked choke) |Independent Event |{{dts|1963|December|2|format=mdy}} |align=center|4 |align=center|n/a |[[Salt Lake City]], Utah, United States | {{end}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==Books== * {{Cite book |last= Corcoran |first= John |author2= Emil Farkas |title= Martial Arts: Traditions, History, People |publisher= Gallery Books |year= 1983 |isbn= 0-8317-5805-8 |url-access= registration |url= https://archive.org/details/martialartstradi00fark }} ==External links== * {{IMDb name|0494061}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20061230064713/http://www.usmaf.org/bio/lebell/index.html USMAF Biography] * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLdl8lkQIpQ Seagal vs LeBell resolved – Fact, Fiction & Eye-Witness Testimony on the Urban Legend] * {{professional wrestling profiles}} {{NWA Hall of Fame}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Lebell, Gene}} [[Category:1932 births]] [[Category:2022 deaths]] [[Category:American catch wrestlers]] [[Category:American male judoka]] [[Category:American jujutsuka]] [[Category:American male professional wrestlers]] [[Category:American stunt performers]] [[Category:Martial artists from Los Angeles]] [[Category:Professional wrestlers from California]] [[Category:Professional wrestling announcers]] [[Category:Professional wrestling promoters]] [[Category:NWA Hollywood Wrestling]] [[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]] [[Category:NWA "Beat the Champ" Television Champions]] [[Category:NWA Americas Tag Team Champions]]'