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Gene LeBell
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2021) |
Gene LeBell | |
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| Born | Ivan Gene LeBell October 9, 1932 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | August 9, 2022 (aged 89) |
| Other names | "Judo Gene" "The Godfather of Grappling" |
| Occupations |
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| Martial arts career | |
| Style | Catch Wrestling, Judo, Jujutsu, Boxing, Jeet Kune Do |
| Teacher(s) | Larry Coughran |
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| Other information | |
| Notable students | |
| Ring name(s) |
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| Billed height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Trained by | |
| Debut | December 10, 1955 |
| Retired | August 29, 1980 |
Ivan Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 – August 9, 2022) was an American judoka, stuntman, actor and professional wrestler. Nicknamed "Judo Gene" and "The Godfather of Grappling",[2] he is credited with popularizing grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts.[2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books.[3]
- ^ "IBK International Kyokushin Budokai – Blak Belts". International Kyokushin Budokai. Archived from the original on November 9, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
- ^ a b Bartlett, Rhett (August 10, 2022). "Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
- ^ "Roots of Fight Brings Us the Story of "Judo" Gene LeBell – MMA Pioneer and Terrifying Old Man". Fightland. December 3, 2013. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
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