Gene LeBell (1932–2022), the “Godfather of Grappling” and legendary stuntman
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2 min readGene LeBell was a legendary stuntman and martial artistknown for pioneering mixed martial arts who trained Bruce Lee (194073).
- Died: Tuesday, August 9, 2022. (Who else died on August 9?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 89.
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Stuntman and Martial Arts Legend
Gene LeBell was a national champion in Judo who transitioned into professional wrestling. He fought in what is considered one of the first televised mixed martial arts fights in 1963 when he defeated boxer Milo Savage with a chokehold. He became a legendary Hollywood stuntman who worked with many superstar actors. He trained Bruce Lee in grappling techniques and was the inspiration for Brad Pitt19s character in Quentin Tarntinos Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He did stunts with Elvis Presley (19351977) in his movies, and he was karate kicked between the eyes by Elvis in his movie Blue Hawaii. He worked stunts in numerous movies and TV shows including RoboCop, Total Recall, Smoking Aces, The Fall Guy, and The Six Million Dollar Man. Legend has it that he had an off-screen fight with Steven Seagal and he choked him out. Recently, he trained MMA fighter Ronda Rousey.
Notable Quote
It sounds like Im blowing my own horn, and I dont mean to I represented all the martial arts. I never said I was doing only judo or karate or kenpo, he said. I never said one art is better than the others. Theyre all good. You should learn everything. Youre not a complete martial artist unless you do everything. - He told Black Belt Magazine
Tributes to Gene LeBell
Full Obituary: The Hollywood Reporter
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