Gene Lebell
| Gene LeBell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ivan Gene LeBell October 9, 1932 Los Angeles, California |
| Style | Catch wrestling, Judo, Jujutsu, boxing |
| Rank |
10th degree red belt in Judo 9th degree black belt in Jujutsu |
| Notable students | Chuck Norris, Gokor Chivichyan, Karo Parisyan, Neil Melanson, Bob Wall, Ed Parker, Manny Gamburyan, Ronda Rousey, Tony Halme |
| Website | www.genelebell.com |
Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books.
In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him to 9th Dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. On August 7, 2004, the World Martial Arts Masters Association promoted LeBell to 10th Degree and in February 2005, he was promoted to 9th Dan in Traditional Judo by the USJJF.
Ivan Gene Lebell was born in Los Angeles, California. He started training from childhood, influenced by his mother, "Red Head" Aileen Eaton, a promoter of boxing and professional wrestling. LeBell took up catch wrestling under Ed "Strangler" Lewis at 7, but three years later he moved to judo. After getting his black belt, he went to Japan to train at the Kodokan school and earned the reputation as an outstanding student.
After returning to the United States, LeBell competed as a heavyweight. In 1954 and 1955, while only 20 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 a osaekomi. Afterwards, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling. 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. Gene also wrestled under a black mask as The Hangman, teaming up with Roy Staggs.
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