RIP to the Legend and the first North American to compete in a mma match in the modern era.
RIP. He really was a grappling and martial arts legend.
RIP. I believe he helped teach out of gokors academy and I think he also was gokors instructor. I believe that’s where gokor got his catch wrestling.I always felt like he definitely deserved the appellation "Hooker" if anyone did. Here's a guy who learned at the feet of Ed "The Strangler" Lewis as a young boy and later, from Lou Thesz, Vic Christy and Karl Gotch and who put those lessons to use in live sport grappling through judo. He's got to be considered a HUGE part of catch-wrestling history.
My understanding is he also had a major role in the development of Hayward Nishioka, as well as of course, countless others like Neil Melanson, Karo Parisyan, Ronda Rousey, Roddy Piper, John Lewis and others. And of course, he also had a major influence on Bruce Lee himself.
RIP Gene LeBell, Godspeed.
RIP. I believe he helped teach out of gokors academy and I think he also was gokors instructor. I believe that’s where gokor got his catch wrestling.
No disrespect to Bruce Lee, but gene already had multiple black belts in karate, judo and boxed and is actually a mix martial artist, although he was repping judo in the fight against the boxer. Rip Gene.