Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932 in Los Angeles, California) is a former American judo champion, instructor, stunt performer, stunt coordinator, and professional wrestler. LeBell has worked on over 350 films and TV shows, and has authored a number of books.
In 2000, he was promoted to 9th Dan in US Ju-Jitsu and US Taiho-Jutsu by the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF). In February 2005, he was promoted to 9th Dan in Traditional Kodokan Jud...
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Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932 in Los Angeles, California) is a former American judo champion, instructor, stunt performer, stunt coordinator, and professional wrestler. LeBell has worked on over 350 films and TV shows, and has authored a number of books.
In 2000, he was promoted to 9th Dan in US Ju-Jitsu and US Taiho-Jutsu by the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF). In February 2005, he was promoted to 9th Dan in Traditional Kodokan Judo by the USJJF.
Competing in the heavyweight division at only 165 pounds, LeBell won the AAU National Judo Championships both in 1954 and 1955. In 1963, LeBell accepted a public challenge to fight boxer Milo Savage in Salt Lake City. Competing as a "judo/karate" fighter, LeBell defeated Savage - choking him unconscious in the 4th round. In June 1976, LeBell refereed the infamous boxing-versus-wrestling contest between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki. Decades ago, LeBell was a close friend of Bruce Lee, with whom he shared various fighting...
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