Cover Throwback - Black Belt Magazine: Gene LeBell
- Black Belt Team
- 4 minutes ago
- 1 min read
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 than just a stuntman or actor—he was a living bridge between the martial arts mat and Hollywood’s silver screen. A decorated judoka who trained under legends and earned national titles, LeBell became one of the first Americans to truly showcase the power of judo in the West.
His grappling expertise and unshakable toughness made him a feared competitor and a respected teacher, influencing generations of fighters who came after him, from mixed martial artists to pro wrestlers.
Off the tatami, Gene carved out an infamous and colorful Hollywood career. As a stuntman and fight choreographer, he worked alongside stars like Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Steven Seagal—often leaving behind stories that became martial arts folklore.
His on-screen appearances ranged from background brawls to scene-stealing roles, but it was his behind-the-scenes daring and sense of humor that earned him legendary status in the industry.