LeBell came off the floor by a few feet. LeBell even awarded Piper a legitimate Black Belt in Judo . I tried to get your son some work but hes always at the beach. The boxer's side demanded a stipulation in which the smaller and older Savage (Savage was 39 while LeBell was 31 at the date of the fight) could use any type of punch, while the judoka could not kick, in the apparent belief LeBell was a karateka. [20], LeBell is associated with Gokor Chivichyan's Hayastan MMA Academy where he taught grappling classes. Sometimes Steven has a tendency to cheese off the wrong people, and you can get hurt doing that. Beck engaged in a great deal of pre-fight trash talk, but it was clear that he had very little knowledge of Japanese martial arts even going as far as confusing traditional judo for karate. Thank you for all you have done for those of us blessed to learn from you. Outside of the fight game, LeBell worked in film & television, appearing in multiple Elvis Presley movies and working on The Green Hornet TV series, where he struck up a friendship with Bruce Lee. Aloha, Brian Keaulana, Congratulations Gene! Still working on the Pro Wrestling Finishing Holds book techniques to this day! An incredible life being rightfully recognized. Proud to know you, much love Brent Fletcher, Very proud to have been your student for so many years There is no one prettier than you Sensai You are truly a legend and I can not think of anyone more deserving for this award!!! Gene LeBell had three children including stuntman son David LeBell and FBI agent daughter Monica LeBell Pandis. Almost everyone present to honor him wore a Gene LeBell tee-shirt, and his widow Midge sported a sweater covered in patches that LeBell made over the years to give out to fans for souvenirs. In February 2005, the USJJF made him 9th dan in judo. [10][11] Nevertheless, LeBell got mount and found the opportunity to execute an armbar, but he opted instead to seek a choke, concluding that Savage would not surrender to a broken arm. Gene LeBell won his weight class and the overall championship in 1955 as well. Ivan "Judo" Gene LeBell (October 9, 1932 - August 9, 2022) was an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and professional wrestler. When he arrived, Gene LeBell learned that he would not be fighting Beck, but instead a much more well-known boxer in Milo Savage. Congratulations, Connie P Conrad Palmisano, Congratulations Uncle Gene for receiving the lifetime award. Gene LeBell (also called "Judo Gene" and "the Godfather of Grappling") went on to perform stunts in hundreds of movies, train martial artists like Chuck . He was a Nevada and California Athletic Commission judge.
Wrestling, MMA, movie worlds pay tribute to Judo Gene LeBell He judged UFC 74 (Randy Couture vs. Gabriel Gonzaga) plus he had a highly popular website visited by martial arts and film fans all over the globe. To prevent a full-blown riot, hometown hero and rated professional boxer Jay Fullmer (brother of boxers Gene and Don Fullmer) entered the ring to congratulate LeBell. This set the Japanese crowd livid, as it was considered very insulting, but they somewhat calmed down after LeBell went on to win his division. The Savage camp claimed they did not know the difference.
Gene LeBell - IMDb Interview with Gene LeBell. Extant fight footage shows a stocky LeBell, probably 60 to 70 pounds heavier than he was when he debuted in judo, cautiously circling and then struggling to throw the much smaller man, who exhibited sound wrestling defense.
Gene LeBell - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Despite this long legacy in the worlds of pro wrestling and MMA, LeBell, always chasing the smart money, never hung around too long on the mat in either sport: Theres only 1 in 1,000 MMA fighters who make money, he told Black Belt magazine in 2014. It must be said at this stage that . LeBell is said to have placed his arms around Seagal's neck, and once Seagal said "go", proceeded to choke him unconscious, with Seagal losing control of his bowels. [8], In 1963, LeBell became involved with a challenge by boxer and writer Jim Beck to the practitioners of Japanese martial arts. Seagal, a towering man who had a background in the Japanese martial art of aikido, has long battled with stunt choreographers and fight trainers on setin Shooters, Jonathan Snowden quotes Pride announcer Stephen Quadross story of engaging in an uncomfortable series of wristlock exchanges with Seagal on the set of the 2001 film Exit Woundsbut by most accounts (and there are many), his encounter with LeBell went poorly.
Who was 'Judo' Gene LeBell? Martial artist, 89, was the - MEAWW But whats the legacy of the blockbuster album? [2] He was born in Los Angeles. Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 1932. RIP Gene LeBell - Part II. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman Judo Gene LeBell would have turned 90. At Hayastan MMA Academy, the focus is to teach our students a variety of Martial Art disciplines - We specialize in Judo, Sambo, Wrestling, Gi and No Gi Grappling, Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA. [6], Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California. Gene LeBell was born on October 09, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States, is Stunts, Actor, Miscellaneous Crew. He sparred with James Cagney while shooting Blood on the Sun in 1945, allowing the famous actor to dominate the 20-minute skirmish which garnered rave reviews. LeBell recalled throwing Lee over his shoulder and running around set as Lee screamed, Put me down or Ill kill you. The pair became friends, and LeBell taught Lee judo and wrestling moves, many of which Lee used in his movies, The Way of The Dragon and Enter the Dragon., He was the best martial artist of his time, LeBell recalled in Black Belt Magazine. A true legend with a legacy of amazing stunt history. Will Bowman, Well deserved! He is the greatest!! Gene LeBell, a renowned stuntman who trained Bruce Lee and inspired the likes of Quentin Tarantino, died in his sleep Tuesday morning at his home in Sherman Oaks, California, according to The Hollywood Reporter. I feel really fortunate to have had him as a part of my life as it is, and really glad to also been able to tell him what an amazing human being, and what an amazing martial artist, he was straight to his face.. Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie . LeBell's longtime friend Bas Rutten first revealed the news on Facebook. He was known by many as the "Godfather of Grappling," and influenced fighters around the world. Gene LeBell, who died on August 9 at age 89, led a life so expansive that any mere retelling of it would come across like a tall tale, the stuff of Pecos Bill and Paul Bunyanif all of it werent true. [20], LeBell also appeared in "The World of Martial Arts Budojujitsu". LeBell was also hired for stunt work with Lee on The Green Hornet.. [31], On August 9, 2022, LeBell died in his sleep.[32][33]. A tribute to the late martial artist, stuntman, actor and pro wrestler Gene LeBell. In return, the boxer's camp agreed that he would wear a Judo Gi or uniform, although he ultimately wore a Karate Gi which fit much tighter and was more difficult to grab onto. Love ya, Buddy Joe Hooker, My dear friend Gene. Stunt coordinator Bennie Dobbins begged LeBell to humble Lee, who allegedly beat up on his stuntmen throughout the shows production. So they said I could make good money in professional wrestling, which I did. American judoka and martial arts instructor (19322022), "The Hangman (wrestler)" redirects here. Not long after, he began training judo. LeBell was 89 years old. Mahalo Christopher Chabriel, Congratulations MEAN GENE!!! However, Gene LeBell was a 10th degree judo black belt and one of the toughest men on the planet, so the director knew this wouldn't happen to him. We are all so proud of you, youre a legend. You used to practice on your son David and I used to say to him I want to try that too, to be choked out by your dad. Well deserved.- Bonnie Happy, Well deserved. Gene's funeral will be private for immediate family only. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, especially us. [2] He worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and authored 12 books.
In addition to spending extensive time in the world of . The grappling club master . Martial Art: Take a wild guess.Notable Achievements: "Judo" Gene LeBell has arguably the most impressive MMA resume of anyone on this list, and Proud to be your friend!
Former stuntman, wrestling promoter Gene LeBell dead at 89 Its about time. Jimmy Halty, Congratulations Gene. The judoka and his team showed their sportsmanship by helping to revive Savage using kappo, as neither the referee nor the ring doctor knew how to resuscitate him. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), The late Judo Gene LeBells 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 friends, students, family, Year after the slap, Chris Rock punches back in new special, At least 5 hurt, suspect at large in San Pedro shooting, Snowed-in Crestline residents make the best of it with volunteers, booze, San Bernardino mountain residents grow worried as they cant access medicine, supplies, Gene LeBell, iconic martial arts pioneer, dies at the age of 89, How Victor Henry found himself making his UFC debut Saturday at age 34, She will hurt you: Ronda Rousey, 24, owns it in MMA ring, UFC 199: Mauro Ranallo, Bas Rutten offer Inside MMA perspectives, UFC heavyweight Josh Barnett looks to keep climbing ranks, California Republicans give a boost to Florida Gov. Nicknamed "The Godfather of Grappling", he popularized grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. Gene LeBell's net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million dollars. More embellished versions include details about Seagal defecating himself. He deserves this award. Gene LeBell is a legend in the world of MMA and Martial Arts. Mary Karcz, Hi Gene, Id just like to Congratulate you on your receiving the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award. He was known by many as the Godfather of Grappling, and influenced fighters around the world.
Gene LeBell chokes out student and he has 'accident' David would look at me glassy eyed and say No you dont! Heavyweight and Overall Judo Championships in 1954, and again in 1955 - long before Judo became an Olympic sport and was broadly appreciated in the western world. Jim Winburn, Long time coming Papa Gene. Mickey Gilbert, Ill never forget working with Gene in Minneapolis for David Ellis. LeBell, who spent much of his later years overseeing the National Wrestling Alliance in Los Angeles, was even charged with murder when private investigator Robert Duke Hall was killed in 1976. Stoked I get to make it this year. [citation needed], While serving as stunt coordinator for the film Out for Justice, starring Steven Seagal, Seagal stated that due to his aikido training he was 'immune' to being choked unconscious. Oops. Scott Wilder, Thank you Sensei for paving the way for martial artists in this biz! The only thing I have against MMA is they dont have a retirement plan. Congratulations Uncle Gene! The pink gi was inspired by a trip LeBell took to Japan where a pair of his red socks or shorts made their way into the laundry, turning his white uniform to pink. Well deserved my friend, and sensei! (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett, talks about Judo Gene LeBell during a celebration of LeBells life on what would have been his 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. In his book Shooters: The Toughest Men in Professional Wrestling, long-time MMA journalist Jonathan Snowden described LeBell as a horrible professional wrestler from a technical perspective, a tough guy who looked soft in the ring and remained stuck on the undercard of his brother Mike LeBells wrestling events, wrestling under his own name or beneath a mask as the Hangman. He did claim to have won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1960 from Pat OConnor in a match in Dory Funks Amarillo, Texas, territory, repeating this assertion to both Black Belt and Sports Illustrated, but the victory was almost certainly part of a wrestling story line, with LeBell accidentally striking the Texas wrestling commissioner with the belt and forcing its immediate return to OConnor. The late 'Judo' Gene LeBell's 90th birthday is celebrated by 200 friends, students, family LeBell's top student, Gokor Chivichyan, held the event at his martial arts academy, remembering a .
Neil Melanson - Wikipedia LeBell has worked on over 1000 TV Show and Film projects. Answer (1 of 12): Well It seems to be a bit of a controversy about this. UFC 285 Preview: Can Jon Jones Turn Back the Clock? You were a better reference than SAG! It goes to a great man of strength, integrity and honor. Mike Smith, Congratulations on this most deserving award for a really great guy. [8] Gene also wrestled under a black mask as The Hangman, teaming up with Roy Staggs. It was the long-running Lassie series that first tested LeBells mettle. [18], LeBell has worked on over 1,000 films, TV shows and commercials as a stuntman or as an actor (including multiple appearances as himself). Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North. David Burton, Congrats Gene LeBell great job well done Grover Gay, Congrats Gene LeBell! Confidential (1997) Batman & Robin (1997), Rush Hour (1998), The Man on the Moon (1999) Men in Black II (2002), Spiderman 2 (2004), Starsky & Hutch (2004), Over his career, LeBell was bludgeoned, shot, run over, karate-chopped (he became friends with Bruce Lee) and drowned for $2,000 per week earning more than most lawyers during those days. ", "Gene LeBell and Ronda Rousey's golden lineage", "Killer's Impending Parole Scuttled by Extortion Plot", "Los Angeles Stirred by Detective's Mysterious Death", "Judo legend Gene LeBell passes away aged 89 years old", "Gene LeBell, Famed Stuntman and "Godfather of Grappling," Dies at 89", "NWA Hall of Fame Class for 2011 announced", "North American Heavyweight Title (W. Texas)", Seagal vs LeBell resolved Fact, Fiction & Eye-Witness Testimony on the Urban Legend, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gene_LeBell&oldid=1141444745, NWA "Beat the Champ" Television Champions, Articles lacking reliable references from May 2021, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from May 2021, All articles needing additional references, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Pages using embedded infobox templates with the title parameter, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 02:59. Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, instructor, stunt performer, and professional wrestler born in Los Angeles, California. Don't miss a beat. Something went wrong. Could James Harden Potentially Return to Houston After the Season? Gene was an actor and stuntman in Hollywood productions for over fifty years with more than 150 acting credits and 250 stunt credits. Your positivity and generosity knows no limit. The combatants were initially cautious, with LeBell being the first in pressing the action by attempting to throw Savage down.
R.I.P. legendary wrestler and stunt performer Gene LeBell - The A.V. Club An additional stipulation prevented LeBell from attempting tackles or takedowns under the waist. August 18 | 2022. blackbeltmag.com. Ronnie and Mary Rondell, Congratulations Uncle Gene! In a story worthy of the detective novels of Raymond Chandler, LeBell, who drove California pornography magnate Jack Ginsburgs to the murder scene, was acquitted on a murder charge but convicted and sentenced to probation as an accessory for his role in transporting Ginsburgs to the murdera conviction later overturned by the California Court of Appeals in a heavily fact-dependent decision based on careful interpretation of state rules of evidence rather than any new proof of LeBells innocence. He is there to help you any time any where. Awesome Steve Picerni. After getting his black belt, he went to Japan to train in judo at the Kodokan. It has been alleged that at some point LeBell heard about the claim and gave Seagal the opportunity to prove it. Lance Gilbert, Gene , you are surely deserving of this achievement even though your humility wont allow you to agree with us. Congrats my friend and God Bless. Stunts Unlimited Member Gene LeBell was presented with the Taurus Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, May 13th, 2017 for his outstanding contribution to the world of action feature films. Never ever have I known a man so talented, having so much wisdom and experience, so giving of his knowledge and skills and yet being so humble. For most of Eatons time in the business, she was the only major female fight promoter in the United States, possibly even the world. Afterwards, attracted by better potential earnings and the family's legacy in the business, LeBell transitioned to professional wrestling. You don't earn the nickname 'Judo' without knowing a thing or two about combat; just ask Steven Seagal. This is very much deserved. The pictures above are from the TV show Fall Guy and I told Gene I didnt want to hit him on the bike and he said I dont want you to hit me eitheryou may hurt yourself. Congratulations Gene, you earned this award and no one in this world is taking it away from the Toughest man Alive. Jack Gill. Others awarded have been James Cagney, Kirk Douglas, Karl Malden, Cesar Romero, Mickey Rooney, and Sylvester Stallone (movie stars that also did boxing and wrestling). The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode 1 Deep Dive, The Biggest Questions About the Seasons Stretch Run, KDs Suns Debut, Load Management, and Five-Year Anniversary of the Rockets-Clippers Tunnel Debacle. "Judo" Gene LeBell the "Godfather of Grappling" was both a renowned ex-world champion in both wrestling/judo, and one of Hollywood's busiest stuntmen. Gene LeBell has had a number of notable students throughout the years, from Hollywood legends like Chuck Norris and Roddy Pipper, to martial arts masters such as Gokor Chivichyan, Karo Parisyan, Ronda Rousey, Neil Melanson, Ed Parker and Benny "The Jet" Urquidez to name a few. Gene LeBell talks about Bruce Lee.
In Loving Memory of Judo Gene LeBell, 1932-2022 Judo Gene!!! Tanner Gill, Congrats Uncle Gene!! With love and affection, Sandy Gimpel, Congrats on your big nite!!
Where Are They Now: Stuntman Gene LeBell - Variety Whats different about the Sixers this year? Gene has trained with numerous other world champion martial artists includingChuck Norris,Bill Wallace, andBenny Urquidez. Inside Hall's residence police discovered hours of wire-tapped recordings, some of which led to the resignation of the Beverly Hills police department chief of police. Without locking the hold, Seagal side stepped and swung his forearm backwards into his crotch. Besides being a boxer, Milo Savage also had a background in wrestling. He was acquitted of the murder charge but convicted as an accessory for driving the convicted murderer, pornographer Jack Ginsburgs, to and from the murder scene. Gene taught my three sons how to take every day life in the training under Gene. Theres way too much to say to even begin to scratch the surface of the career and life Gene lived, wrote the Stuntmans Association of Motion Pictures in a statement to Variety. Sandra Brumfield Avo, Gene is as it has been said amongst the fight world..is the Toughest Man. LeBell later mentored world-class athletes and silver screen legends. LeBell died in his sleep early Tuesday morning at his home in Sherman Oaks, his trustee and business manager, Kellie Cunningham, told The Hollywood Reporter. You have been a legend for over 60 years and Im honored each month that I get to see you!!!! Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. Being 63 years old, LeBell declined to compete or to send a representative, instead suggesting a match against Royce's 82-year-old father, the renowned Hlio Gracie. What are you doing? LeBell remembers the helmer lamenting.
"Judo" Gene LeBelle Passes Away At Age 89 | Rajah.com Grand Master Leg Locks by Gokor Chivichyan. LeBell helped Seagal up. LeBell's students included AnnMaria De Mars, the first American to ever win a gold medal at the World Judo Championships in 1984, and De Mars' daughter, Ronda Rousey, who became the first. Roberts, Nobody in the world more respected!! We are incredibly sad to report that our hero, dear friend and Stunts Unlimited brother passed away yesterday, August 9th, 2022 at the age of 89. Gene LeBell's most famous match was his match with boxer/wrestler Milo Savage. Cheers! [9], The match took place on December 2, 1963.
Gene LeBell Had A Hilarious Response To That Famous Steven - Looper Congrats to the amazing living legend John Stoneham, Jr. Congratulations Gene, you know I love you, and Im so very very proud of you. Is MJF the Second Coming of CM Punk? We cant have blood! Gaffer tape stanched the bleeding, and LeBell managed six more takes. LeBell earned the upset win via an osaekomi. Youve not only accomplished a great name in our industry but many,many brothers and sister stunt people that admire and love you very much. Two hundred of his friends, students, and family gathered at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood to celebrate his storied life and remember how he touched each of them in a way only LeBell could. To succeed in the NFL, hell need to be an outlier among outliers. developed adult skills by 13. Present-day UFC fans probably best remember him from his time spent wielding a stopwatch in the corner of his protege, Ronda Rousey, while wrestling fans might know his name from when Daniel Bryan used to call his finisher the LeBell Lock. But despite that, the MMA pioneer isnt a household name, which is a shame, because if youre a fan of combat sports, he absolutely should be. However, the writing was on the wall for Savage: LeBell threw and then mounted the boxer in the second round, although he couldnt secure a finish, then hip-tossed him in the fourth round before using a gi choke to render his foe unconsciousmuch to the displeasure of the crowd, which was unused to seeing people choked in this way. Joseph Davis, Gene is truly a genuine Good person and a great friend. Congratulations my brother!!! You are a true living legend! He believed in me which made me believe in myself. However, no context is provided for the encounterup until the fight, Booths martial arts credentials, unlike LeBells, are completely unknown, and he defeats Lee on the feet rather than with wrestling techniques. A brief google of you name brings up pages and pages of awesome stories about what youve really accomplished in so many fields. Steve Boyum, Absolutely couldnt go to a better candidate.
thank you so much for all the encouragement over all these decades . The Bahamas Wrestling Association: Black Wrestling and the Birth of a Nation. Is Golden State a sleeping giant? In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him to 9th Dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. A pair of red shorts were mixed into the laundry that contained his Gi and turned the uniform a shade of pink. Gene LeBell was a man who lived a full and adventurous life. (Gene LeBell Biography). The promoters were looking for karate and judo bumsvery distinct striking and grappling specialties, though LeBell knew the basics of karateto fight a boxer, whom LeBell assumed would be Jim Beck, a highly regarded amateur who had called out the practitioners of those sports. He also had 8 grandchildren. Congrats Rick Avery, Congratulations Uncle Gene! He started training in catch wrestling and boxing from his early childhood, influenced by his mother, "Red Head" Aileen Eaton, a promoter of both sports who owned the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. On Sunday, Oct. 9, legendary martial artist and stuntman "Judo" Gene LeBell would have turned 90.
RIP Gene LeBell - Part II - Black Belt Magazine However, Tarantino disputes this claim. In a fifty year career of high falls and fist fights, Gene LeBell has crashed cars, jumped motorcycles, wrestled bears, incited riots and fought some of the deadliest men in the world. They thought of each other has good friends but Gene Lebell said he taught Bruce Lee but Bruce said they shared techniques but not as a teacher/student relationsh. Sat 9th Apr 2022 19.30 BST. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Martial artist Bas Rutten poses for a photo with Midge LeBell, wife of Judo Gene LeBell, during a celebration of his life on what would have been Genes 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022. If I could get my arms around you I would hug you. All the best! Over the course of this six-decade career, LeBell had a hand in training many prominent players in the entertainment, wrestling, and MMA worlds. According to a 2014 interview in Black Belt, LeBell had no idea the fight would be as significant as later developments in the sport of MMA have made it. It is his 90th birthday and a celebration and memorial for him, Chivichyan said. Alan Oliney, Hey Gene, Thanks for being a four-star mentor to so many and thanks for being Gene Lebell. Savanah Dawn Lilley, The one and only Uncle Gene! A industry standard, and great human being! "My . The loss by the hometown boxer nearly caused a riot to breakout and despite the promotions attempt to calm the violence, Gene LeBell was nearly stabbed on the way out of the venue. Ron DeSantis presidential prospects, Taft football coach Jeff Kearin steps down in support of school faculty member, Baram and Tioumentsev win World Junior title hours after their coach, Todd Sand, suffers heart attack, Snow collapses roof of Goodwin and Sons, Crestlines only grocery store, Gracie Abrams behind Good Riddance message in Los Angeles sky, Tax filing deadline moves to mid-October for most Californians, Alpine Village shopkeepers get confirmation: theyre being evicted, Ex-sheriffs deputy gets 100 hours of community service for shooting hoax, $31 million goes to San Fernando Valley light-rail line and to engage community, Who will replace ex-LA councilmember Nury Martinez? In the the Quentin Tarantino film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", Bruce Lee was made to look as an arrogant martial arts actor.
Gene LeBell - MMA & Wrestling Pioneer - Passes Away At 89 - TheMix.net His mother, Aileen Eaton, promoted fights at the Olympic Auditorium and was the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of . The only thing that is different is that judo has strangleholds, which arent done in pro wrestling., Although LeBell considered full-time careers as a boxer and a judoka, the lure of better money in pro wrestling and Hollywood stunt productionsas well as connections to both industriesled him into those fields. Its an honor to be your student and friend. The boxer blocked the move, which aggravated an old shoulder injury of LeBell. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG), Former UFC Champion and WWE star Ronda Rousey talks with Midge LeBell wife of Judo Gene LeBell during a celebration of his life on what would have been Genes 90th birthday at Hayastan MMA Academy in North Hollywood Sunday, October 9, 2022.