Celebrated on the Black Belt Magazine  cover in January 2000, LeBell embodied both the grit of a true martial artist and the showmanship of a Hollywood insider. Truly a larger-than-life figure whose legacy continues to straddle two worlds: the discipline of judo and the spectacle of cinema. Long before MMA was mainstream, LeBell was already blending styles, demonstrating how throws, locks, and submissions could level the playing field. Known as “Judo” Gene LeBell, he was more

I'm amused — and, in some ways, delighted — by the comments that still get posted on YouTube regarding the 1987 matchup of Rickson Gracie and me. Judo enthusiasts say they're proud I was able to upend Gracie a couple of times. Any advantage I received, however, disappeared as soon as we hit the ground and I was caught in an armbar. So judoka say judo won, while Brazilian jiu-jitsu stylists insist their art won. It's a true win-win situation for the martial arts.

The wrestler — having quickly disposed of his first four judomen — stood before the fifth opponent, glaring like a wild animal about to...

Part 1 of this article examines whether the Olympic Games have been good for judo and taekwondo. For input, we interrogated fire experts,...

“You can’t define someone else’s success—choose your own path in martial arts and life” –Stephan Kesting In this episode of The Black...

Olympic Judo Champion and mat innovator Mike Swain graces the cover of the May 2005 issue of Black Belt Magazine . Photography by Rick...

In addition to forgetting, one of the problems with aging—oddly enough—is remembering. "I remember when you could get a cup of coffee for 10 cents." "I remember when gas was 25 cents a gallon." After hearing me make a few statements like that, a young student asked, "What about Judo? What was it like back in the day?" This is the way I happened to experience the history of judo.

There are people who swear “Judo” Gene LeBell has practiced martial arts for so long that an image of him putting King Tut in an armbar can be found etched in sandstone in an Egyptian tomb. LeBell insists that isn’t true: “No, I’m not that old, but I was a bodyguard for Genghis Khan.”

On November 19, 2024, the International Judo Federation (IJF) Headquarters in Budapest became the epicenter of a monumental moment as...

Indian judo champion Suchika Taryal has officially signed with BRAVE Combat Federation

The Las Vegas World Judo Championships Veterans 2024 kicked off with a spirited first day, celebrating the achievements of male judokas

Each year on October 28, the world celebrates World Judo Day, honoring the legacy and philosophy of Judo. This martial art, founded by...

In 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry sailed into Edo harbor (now Tokyo) with four steam-powered warships. The United States was on a mission to open Japan to the outside world, and the arrival of this fleet caused chaos to erupt. It continued until the following year when Perry returned, and a reluctant compromise was reached between East and West.

Olympic judo has become a hidden powerhouse in MMA, with athletes who bring its techniques often finding success in the cage.

Before Jigoro Kano and the Meiji Restoration, there was jujitsu. Back then, a person practiced in an ordinary kimono, usually a hakama and..

Like most historical figures, past giants of the budo world tend to stand, in our view, at such a distance as to make them seem almost..

Martial arts have fascinated humanity for millennia, blending physical prowess with mental discipline in a way that transcends mere combat.

Whether you’re aiming to soar like a superhero or deliver epic fight scenes, mastering martial arts is key....

Christophe Massina's career with the French Judo Federation is nothing short of legendary. With 20 years dedicated to the sport..

Ronda Rousey, the name synonymous with judo excellence, stunned the world when she became the youngest judoka to win gold...

Gabriella Willems has made history for Belgian judo by winning a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, breaking a 32-year drought...

As we marvel at the athletic skill in the 2024 Paris Games, we are inspired to revisit some of the greatest martial arts champions..

Are you a judo enthusiast intrigued by the world of wrestling?

Teddy Riner delivered a stunning performance, clinching a spectacular ippon to secure Olympic team gold for France...