‘Judo’ Gene LeBell died at age 89 on Tuesday, and the combat sports world took to social media to reflect on his career as a martial arts instructor, actor, stunt performer, and stunt coordinator. Check out their posts below.
My hero.
My teacher.
My inspiration.
My unfailing reminder that I am ugly and nobody likes me.
My friend.
RIP to the world’s toughest man, Judo Gene Lebell.
I’m going to miss the hell out of you. pic.twitter.com/1f3jlB0s55— Paul Lazenby (@MaulerMMA) August 10, 2022
With the heaviest of hearts I say goodbye to one of my favorite men in the world. Judo Gene Lebell passed in his sleep, a warrior in every way to the very end. In 1963 Gene took on Milo Savage in a mixed fight. Gene choked him like he did me & everyone else. RIP Gene, I love ya pic.twitter.com/thoEZgHA0k
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) August 10, 2022
Judo Gene Lebell impacted so many lives through his kind, caring, and loving soul. It is through those memories his legacy will become legendary and forever remembered. ❤️ RIP and prayers to all who loved him pic.twitter.com/uEJaJG5e2k
— Grand Slam Champ CrisCyborg.com (@criscyborg) August 10, 2022
Gene LeBell remained a towering figure in the history and expansion of mixed martial arts and sports entertainment. A teacher to many of the sport’s greats, his influence is felt throughout @WWE to this day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.
— Triple H (@TripleH) August 10, 2022
Gene Lebell What a special human.
— Marina Shafir (@MarinaShafir) August 10, 2022
“I won every R-E-A-L fight I ever had & was penniless. I LOST every R-E-E-L fight I ever had and made millions” — Judo Gene trying to convince me to quit fighting and go into Hollywood stunt work.
I’m still calling it a double wrist lock, just so you know. pic.twitter.com/VEwNpAxJb8
— Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) August 10, 2022
Rest In Peace to the Legendary Judo Gene LeBell, grateful to have known him. Thank you for all that you have done and for so many ❤️ #JudoGeneLebell #HayastanMMA @ Los Angeles, California https://t.co/Q39CVr6lHP
— Alberto Crane (@AlbertoCrane) August 10, 2022
Tuesday Technique!
RIP Judo Gene LebellThis one hurts. The first time I met him was at a fan expo, when I was kid. STARTED TO LEARN REAL WRESTLING Then as a mma judge at one of my fights. Rest in peace.
pic.twitter.com/7iq7CuJRP4— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) August 10, 2022
I’m hearing news Gene Lebell has passed away. RIP to a real legend #RIPJudoGene
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) August 10, 2022
RIP to the legend Judo Gene LeBell
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) August 10, 2022
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