The Godfather of Grappling

Gene LaBell is a man that has done more than most. He was around and part of the growth of combat sports in the United States. Gene is a great story teller and has a playful, teasing and self effacing wit. Sometimes it's a little difficult to know when he is being truthful and when he's pulling your leg but its always fun. Gene was tough when men were men and sheep were afraid. (Just kidding Gene!) One thing that is very true is that he was in the first televised MMA fight in history. Some called it "The day Gene LeBell saved martial arts". His life is a great story. One thing that caught me by surprise on several occasions was how moving his narration could be. This book is worth every penny and then some. It has the earmark of all really good books, it makes you want to read it again.

When I call Gene LeBell the "clown prince of judo" it's done with the utmost of respect.The man's record speaks for itself.And I can't recommend this book enough.LeBell's stories about his days as a competitive judoka,professional wrestler and Hollywood stuntman are both fun and fascinating.As are his tales of his schooldays and service in the Coast Guard.Especially interesting are Judo Gene's recollections about his judo vs. boxing challenge match against light-heavyweight contender Milo Savage.A bout some people consider the forerunner to today's MMA matches.Another part of the book that I found particularly interesting was his relationship with the late George Reeves,television's original Superman.Heck,I would have probally bought this book just for the photo of Gene posing in his Mr.Kryptonite costume alongside Reeves as Superman.I would love to have seen these two grappling on their personal appearance tours with Reeves' television co-star Noel Neil.You'll also find interesting stories about Elvis Presley and Bruce Lee here. This is a great read and anyone who is a martial arts enthusiast should own a copy.However keep your distance from the book THE TOUGHEST MAN ALIVE which is nothing more than an unauthorized copy of this book.

As a life time student of the martial arts one of my regrets is never having met or trained with Gene LeBell; however, I have read and studied all his books and read every article I could lay my hands on about this extraordinary martial artist. This authorized biography is interesting, entertaining and highly informative. A short forward was written by Rowdy Roddy Piper, a professional wrestler and karate expert/movie hero Chuck Norris. This fantastic book has nineteen chapters covering many of the highlights in Gene LeBell's action filled life. This is a man who grew up with boxing and wrestling all his life. In conclusion, this is a book that should be in every martial artist's personal library. Rating: 5 stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: The Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Season of the Warrior).

Fantstic read. I wish a few rumors had been covered in this book. I guess the legal stuff keeps him from doing so thought. Any fan of wrestling or martial arts should read about this man.

Judo Gene is the absolute best! This bio contains some great stories. He truly is a treasure.