• Home
  • Features
  • BJJ News
  • MMA
  • Interviews
  • BJJ Rankings
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Features
  • BJJ News
  • MMA
  • Interviews
  • BJJ Rankings
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home BJJ News

Grappling Legend Gene LeBell Passes Away At 89

Phil Jones by Phil Jones
August 10, 2022
in BJJ News
0
Gene LeBell Passes Away
147
SHARES
1.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Affectionately referred to as ‘Judo’ Gene LeBell, the man was one of the most important figures in American grappling history passes away at the age of 89. LeBell was an incredibly accomplished martial artist and has earned a 10th degree red belt in Judo, a 10th degree black belt in Kyokushin Budokai, and a 9th degree black belt in Ju Jitsu over the years. In addition to this, LeBell had extensive experience in submission grappling and catch wrestling, having trained with Karl Gotch, Ed ‘Strangler’ Lewis, and Lou Thesz in the past.

LeBell competed as a judoka for a few years and won two Amateur Athletic Union national championships during his tenure, before he switched to becoming a professional wrestler instead. LeBell rose to fame as a result of a single match however, when he engaged in one of the first MMA matches of the modern period against well-regarded boxer Milo Savage in 1963. The rules were entirely open, as LeBell was not allowed to kick or attempt any takedowns under the waist in exchange for Savage wearing a Judo gi during the match, although he would later wear a tighter Karate gi instead.

LeBell went on to win the match against Savage after he choked him unconscious using a rear-naked choke. This victory established LeBell as ‘The godfather of grappling’ and he went on to be involved in both combat sports and professional wrestling for decades to come. LeBell ran NWA Hollywood Wrestling for over a decade and performed as the referee for the legendary bout between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki. As a result of his achievements, LeBell received the Frank Gotch award in 2005 for the positive recognition that he brought to the sport of wrestling.

He went on to serve as a judge for several professional MMA fights and also appeared in the corner of legendary women’s MMA champion Ronda Rousey, as a result of a close personal relationship that he had with both her and her mother. Gene LeBell was a true grappling and MMA legend and as he passes away, he will certainly be remembered fondly and admirably by both communities.

Tags: Gene LeBellJudo
Previous Post

Who’s Number One: Gordon Ryan v Felipe Pena Full Results And Review

Next Post

Cesar Gracie Believes Nate Diaz Is Better Than Khamzat Chimaev Both Standing And On The Ground

Phil Jones

Phil Jones

Phil originally started Jiu-Jitsu back in the late 90s before transitioning to Judo and Karate, eventually making a return to BJJ in 2017. Phil fell in love with martial arts through the early UFC events and has even competed at an amateur level himself.

Related Posts

Dana White Celebrities UFC BJJ
BJJ News

Dana White Opens The Door For Celebrities To Compete At UFC BJJ

by Jackson Williams
June 24, 2025
Felipe Pena Competitor Pay And PEDs Testing
BJJ News

Felipe Pena Advocates For Higher Competitor Pay Before PEDs Testing

by Diogo de Souza
June 23, 2025
ADCC Monterrey Open 2025 Results Highlights
BJJ News

Mexican Grapplers Impress In ADCC Monterrey Open 2025

by admin
June 23, 2025
UFC BJJ 1 Road To The Title Results Highlights
BJJ News

UFC BJJ: Road To The Title Season 1 Full Results And Highlights

by admin
June 22, 2025
Pit Fighting Championship 1 Results Highlights
BJJ News

Pit Fighting Championship 1 Full Results And Highlights

by admin
June 22, 2025
Next Post
Cesar Gracie Nate Diaz Khamzat Chimaev

Cesar Gracie Believes Nate Diaz Is Better Than Khamzat Chimaev Both Standing And On The Ground

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Revgear Banner
ButterflyX Banner
Free John Danaher BJJ Instructional
Jitsmagazine.com

Your home for the latest BJJ and grappling news.

Categories

  • BJJ News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • MMA

Browse by Tag

ADCC ADCC 2022 ADCC 2024 ADCC Open ADCC Trials Celebrity BJJ Craig Jones Craig Jones Invitational Danaher Death Squad Dan Manasoiu Dante Leon Diego 'Pato' Oliveira Fabricio Andrey Felipe Pena Fellipe Andrew Ffion Davies Fight 2 Win Gabrieli Pessanha Gordon Ryan Gracie Family Helena Crevar IBJJF Kade Ruotolo Kaynan Duarte Law Enforcement Mayssa Bastos Mica Galvao Mikey Musumeci Nicholas Meregali Nicky Rodriguez Oliver Taza ONE Championship Opinion Pieces Polaris Roberto Jimenez Tainan Dalpra Team Grappling Throwback Tye Ruotolo UFC UFC Fight Pass Invitational Who's Number One Women's BJJ Women's MMA Wrestling

Recent Posts

  • Dana White Opens The Door For Celebrities To Compete At UFC BJJ
  • JitsCast #34: Lachlan Giles
  • Felipe Pena Advocates For Higher Competitor Pay Before PEDs Testing

© 2020 JitsMagazine.com

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Features
  • BJJ News
  • MMA
  • Interviews
  • BJJ Rankings
  • Shop

© 2020 JitsMagazine.com

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?