Gene LeBell

Ivan Gene LeBell was a versatile American performer and martial artist. He was known by nicknames like "Judo Gene" and "The Godfather of Grappling." LeBell was a pioneer who helped popularize grappling in professional fighting circles. His work served as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts (MMA). Beyond the fighting mat, he was a prolific actor and stuntman. He worked on more than 1,000 films and television shows. He also authored 12 books about his life and experiences.

LeBell's training began during his early childhood in Los Angeles, California. He was heavily influenced by his mother, Aileen Eaton. She was a sports promoter who owned the Olympic Auditorium. She was also the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. At age seven, LeBell began training in catch wrestling under Ed "Strangler" Lewis. He later transitioned to judo, a Japanese martial art focused on throws and grappling. To master this discipline, he traveled to Japan to train at the Kodokan. There, he earned his black belt in judo.

LeBell achieved significant success in amateur competition. In 1954 and 1955, he won the Amateur Athletic Union National Judo Championships. He won both the heavyweight and overall titles at only 22 years of age. His very first match was against John Osako, a highly ranked judoka. LeBell won that match using an osaekomi, which is a pinning technique. Following these victories, he moved into professional wrestling. This move was motivated by the potential for higher earnings and his family's business legacy. He even performed under a black mask using the name "The Hangman."

A defining moment in his career occurred on December 2, 1963. LeBell accepted a challenge to prove that a martial artist could defeat a boxer. The match took place in Salt Lake City against a boxer named Milo Savage. The rules were highly unusual and seemed designed to favor the boxer. LeBell was prohibited from using tackles or takedowns below the waist. Additionally, Savage wore a karategi, which is a tighter garment that is harder to grab than a judogi. LeBell also claimed Savage's gloves contained brass knuckles and his gi was greased with vaseline.

The 1963 match was a complex and intense physical encounter. During the fight, LeBell attempted several techniques through the second and third rounds. He eventually successfully took Savage down to the ground. In the fourth round, LeBell executed a harai goshi, which is a sweeping hip throw. He immediately followed this with a rear naked choke. Savage fell unconscious within seconds, and LeBell was declared the winner. This event is often cited as one of the first televised MMA fights in America. The victory caused a violent reaction from the crowd, who threw debris into the ring.

LeBell's influence extended deep into the world of entertainment. As a stuntman and actor, he appeared in three Elvis Presley movies. He also worked on the Green Hornet television series, where he befriended Bruce Lee. LeBell and Lee reportedly exchanged ideas regarding various fighting techniques. In 1976, LeBell was chosen from over 200 applicants to referee a famous boxing-versus-wrestling match. This bout featured Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki in Tokyo, Japan. He also helped run NWA Hollywood Wrestling from 1968 to 1982.

Throughout his later years, LeBell received numerous prestigious honors. In 2005, the Cauliflower Alley Club gave him the Frank Gotch Award. This award recognized the positive impact he had on the sport of wrestling. He was also promoted to high ranks in various martial arts organizations. The United States Ju-Jitsu Federation promoted him to 9th dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. In 2004, the World Martial Arts Masters Association awarded him a 10th degree rank. These honors reflected a lifetime of dedication to combat sports and performance.