Gene LeBell

Date: 2013-12-02 | Duration: 1h 56m

Episode Overview

Gene LeBell, a legendary figure in martial arts and stunt work, shares candid stories and insights spanning his remarkable career. He reflects on his early days in judo, recounting how he was often the toughest guy in the gym and how his innovative approach helped pioneer the blending of martial arts styles long before mixed martial arts became mainstream. LeBell discusses his close relationship with Bruce Lee, crediting him for inspiring many techniques used in films, and highlights his own influence on the evolution of combat sports, especially grappling and leg locks, which were once overlooked by Brazilian fighters but are now fundamental. The conversation also delves into the physical and mental demands of fighting, with LeBell emphasizing the importance of conditioning, technique, and respect for the dangers of brain injuries. He shares vivid anecdotes about legendary fighters and refereeing controversies, underscoring the need for better safety awareness in combat sports. Additionally, LeBell touches on the rise of women’s MMA, praising fighters like Cris Cyborg and Ronda Rousey for their skill and toughness. Throughout the episode, his wit and wisdom shine, offering a rare perspective from someone who has been at the crossroads of martial arts, entertainment, and competitive fighting for over seven decades.

Key Moments

– Judo
– Mixed Martial Arts
– Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
– Martial Arts History
– Leg Locks
– Martial Arts Training
– Fight Refereeing
– Martial Arts Injuries
– MMA Fighters
– Martial Arts Techniques
– Strength and Conditioning
– Performance Enhancing Drugs
– Martial Arts Philosophy
– Fight Strategy
– Martial Arts Documentaries
– Martial Arts Legends
– Fight Safety
– Stunt Work
– MMA Women Fighters
– Training Equipment
0:00:00 – Introduction to Joe Rogan Podcast and Gene LeBell
0:01:32 – Gene LeBell's early judo gym experiences
0:02:31 – Gene's work in Western movies
0:03:32 – Bruce Lee's influence on mixed martial arts
0:04:55 – Bruce Lee's legacy in martial arts today
0:08:19 – Discussion on leg locks and Sambo influence
0:11:20 – Double wrist lock and downward arm crank techniques
0:13:35 – The importance of heart and will in fighting
0:14:53 – Training discipline: 500 bodyweight squats before practice
0:20:40 – Evolution of martial arts and Gene's role
0:21:30 – Katsu: the art of reviving fighters
0:22:40 – The dirty aspects of mixed martial arts
0:28:57 – Discussion of Mark Hominick vs Jose Aldo fight
0:31:18 – Gene's 75 years of experience in boxing and wrestling
0:33:04 – Gene's stuntman career and TV appearances
0:39:40 – Martial arts documentaries and Roots of Fight
0:41:36 – Training challenges and American internment camp history
0:44:07 – Karate gi and fight techniques
0:45:20 – Gene choking out opponent and fight endurance
0:46:25 – Gene's influence on early UFC and MMA
0:48:25 – Judo Gene LeBell breaking an arm demonstration
0:51:20 – Critique of poor fight refereeing decisions
0:54:06 – Making MMA more realistic
0:58:04 – Discussion on Cyborg's fighting strengths and weaknesses
1:04:00 – Misha Tate's fighting skills
1:05:53 – Nasal surgeries and cauliflower ear in fighters
1:10:37 – Managing injuries and knee problems in fighters
1:13:19 – Testosterone use and hormone treatments
1:18:02 – Strongman competition winner's diet and longevity
1:21:07 – Kettlebell training and grappling benefits
1:23:33 – Fighting style and dangerous opponents
1:26:36 – Leg lock submission and fight dangers
1:29:43 – Respect and legacy of martial arts teachers
1:31:21 – Aggressive wrestling style and MMA dark ages
1:34:33 – Farmer Burns' instructional books
1:36:48 – Training challenges and pushing limits
1:39:45 – Improvement areas for MMA fighters
1:41:36 – Importance of elbows and infighting control
1:45:06 – Best defensive boxer and MMA earnings
1:48:50 – Judo techniques demonstration and fight safety

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Joe Rogan Podcast, check it out! Starting point is 00:00:30 Yeah, I was three at the time. Starting point is 00:00:42 You're a guy that, Starting point is 00:01:32 And, of course, myself, when I was young, I got kicked out of the judo gyms because guys beating me up. Starting point is 00:01:58 What was that like? Starting point is 00:02:31 But I was making $1,000 a week doing Westerns. Starting point is 00:02:58 Look at these pictures of you, you handsome young bastard. Starting point is 00:03:32 Because he was really the first guy that said, let's just try everything and mix it all together. Starting point is 00:04:05 But with all due respect, Bruce taught me a lot of techniques that I use in the movies, jumping spinning kicks. Starting point is 00:04:55 When you talk about martial arts today, still to this day in 2013, people bring up Bruce Lee. Starting point is 00:05:33 and you'd be interviewing him instead of me if he was still alive. Starting point is 00:06:15 But he loved that. Starting point is 00:06:36 What do I call you? Starting point is 00:06:47 But with you, you know, you have to, I want to raise him my allowance. Starting point is 00:07:24 Now it's payback time. Starting point is 00:07:52 You know, and so I've been there. Starting point is 00:08:09 Yeah, Silverado over at Jean Jacques. Starting point is 00:08:19 A lot of leg locks, which the Brazilians a long time ago didn't do leg locks. Starting point is 00:08:50 because like the Sambo guys were using leg locks, Starting point is 00:09:04 who's a Brazilian guy, who's probably one of the best in the world at it. Starting point is 00:09:40 He was an animal. Starting point is 00:10:11 Or if you're good at spinning to the side, you can also get a knee lock. Starting point is 00:10:38 And I like the gentleman. Starting point is 00:10:56 it's kind of Starting point is 00:11:20 So he'd go down and he'd beat everybody with a double wrist lock, a downward arm crank. Starting point i...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #423?

Gene LeBell was the guest on JRE #423. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #423?

On Joe Rogan Experience #423 with Gene LeBell, topics include Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Martial Arts History, and Leg Locks.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #423?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #423 with Gene LeBell is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.