Tuesday, December 08, 2009 Credits: YIRLANI AGUIRRE
KIDS
BEGINNER 60-75LBS 8-10YRS
1ST STEVE CARDENAS-COBRA KAI
2ND ANTHONY PEREZ-COBRA KAI
3RD DYLAN ROSS-UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
BEGINNER 80-85LBS 8-10YRS
1ST COLLING JACOBS-COBRA KAI
2ND COTTON ZACARY-UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
BEGINNER 130-145LBS 14-15YRS
1ST LARRY JOHN AGUILAR
2ND MARK JUSTIN-HARTE JIU JITSU
3RD CHRISTIAN HERNANDEZ-
UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
BEGINNER 161-185LBS 16-17YRS
1ST ALLEN VARTAUIAN-HYETACH DO
2ND TREVOR JACOBS-COBRA KAI
NOVICE 45-65LBS 5-7YRS
1ST RYAN ROBERT
2ND MANUEL GARCIA
3RD CAMERON SENLINE
NOVICE 75LBS 11-13YRS
1ST JUAN CHIQUITO-COBRA KAI
2ND VINO FLORES-UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
3RD DYLAN WOOD-UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
ADULTS
BEGINNER 164-177LBS
1st VREY JOUKADARIAN-HASYASTAN
2ND CHRIS EUGENE PEPPLEWELL-RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD JUSTIN EASTWOOD-ANYTIME FITNESS OAK HILLS
BEGINNER 176-245LBS
1ST AMADOR QUINTERO-10TH PLANET
2ND TERRY PIERSE-
3RD OSCAR FELIX- C-SQUENCE
NOVICE 130-135LBS
1ST JERREMY HENANDEZ-COBRA KAI
2ND CORY SCHWOEBEL-UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
3RD RICARDO GONZALEZ-RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
ADVANCED HEAVY WEIGHT
1RS PAUL ARRAS- RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2ND MIGUEL GARCIA- EXECUTIVE FIFNESS
3RD STEWAT WALSH- OC KICKBOXING
Monday, October 19, 2009 Credits: YIRLANI AGUIRRE
KIDS
BEGINNER 55-65LBS 5-7YRS
1ST DYLAN AGUILA- TEAM AGUILA
2ND ETHAN AGUILA- TEAM AGUILA
3RD GABRIEL VASQUEZ- COBRA KAI
BEGINNER 55-65LBS 8-9YRS
1ST ETHAN WILLIAMS- HIGH DESERT JUDO
2ND ASUCENA CHIQUITO- COBRA KAI
3RD BRYAN DARRIN- COBRA KAI
BEGINNER 65-75LBS 7 YRS
1ST JUAN CHIQUITO- COBRA KAI
2ND RODOLFO RODRIGUEZ- COBRA KAI
3RD RAMON DONAN- COBRA KAI
BEGINNER 125-135LBS 14-15YRS
1ST ADAM BETTS- HIGH DESERT JUDO
2ND MATTHEW DAVIES- WHITE TIGER MARTIAL ARTS
3RD AUSTIN YERAS- ULTIMATE FIGHTING CENTER
BEGINNER 135-155LBS 14-17 YRS
1ST RODOLFO LARIOS- COBRA KAI
2ND LARRY AGUILAR- HIGH DESERT JUDO
3RD KANE SMITH- HIGH DESERT JUDO
BEGINNER 155-175LBS 14-15YRS
1ST SEAN REGAN-HIGH DESERT JUDO
2ND TERON DUN- HIGH DESERT JUDO
3RD MICHAEL GONZALEZ-HIGH DESERT JUDO
INTERMEDIATE 75-95LBS 8-10 YRS
1ST NICHOLAS COMBADO- COBRA KAI
2ND STEVE CARDENAS- COBRA KAI
3RD ETHAN WILLIAMS- HIGH DESERT JUDO
INTERMEDIATE 85-95LBS 11-12YRS
1ST JUSTIN COMBADO- COBRA KAI
2ND ADRIEN MORALES- UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
3RD GILBERT GARCIA-HIGH DESERT JUDO
INTERMEDIATE 135-145LBS 16-17YRS
1ST ALVARO MAGANO- HIGH DESERT JUDO
2ND NICOLAS CORTEZ- COBRA KAI
3RD JUSTIN HERNANDEZ- HIGH DESERT JUDO
INTERMEDIATE 155-195LBS 15-17YRS
1ST DAVID HERNANDEZ- HIGH DESERT JUDO
2ND CASEY FAZZIO- COBRA KAI
NOVICE 45-65LBS 5-7YRS
1ST RODOLFO RODRIGUEZ- COBRA KAI
2ND DYLAN AGUILA- TEAM AGUILA
3RD ETHAN AGUILA- TEAM AGUILA
ADULTS
INTERMEDIATE 175LBS
1ST KONRAD MILES- COBRA KAI
2ND JOSEP SOARES- U.S ARMY
3RD BRANDON SCOTTWEIL- COBRA KAI
INTERMEDIATE 175-215LBS
1ST LEOBARDO AGUIRRE- COBRA KAI
2ND SHAWN MICHAELS- COBRA KAI
3RD COMARGO BALENTIN
NOVICE 75-95LBS
1ST STEVE CARDENAS- COBRA KAI
2ND GILBERT GARCIA- HIGH DESERT JUDO
3RD ADRIEN MORALES- UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
Saturday, September 26, 2009 Credits: YIRLANI AGUIRRE
For more information contact Franklin Aguirre:
topcagefighting@sbcglobal.net
Saturday, June 20, 2009 Credits: Staff
Gene LeBell's World Grappling Challenge comes once again to San Bernardino!
KIDS BEGINNER
6-7 YRS / 55 LBS
1ST ETHAN AGUILA TEAM AGUILA
2ND JOSEPH MARTINES RIVERSIDE SUMBISSION
3RD KRISTOPHER ARREY RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
8-9 YRS / 65 LBS
1ST DAVID RITCHIE RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2ND ERICA RIVERA
3RD CARISSA RIVERA
8-9 YRS / 75 LBS
1ST KALEB AGUILA TEAM AGUILA
2ND RYAN CALDERON RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD ETHAN WILLIAMS UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY (HDJ)
10-11 YRS / 85 LBS
1ST ISRAEL CHAVEZ RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2ND ABEL OLVERA RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD JESSICA PETTERSEN RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
10-11 YRS/95LBS
1ST ISRAEL CHAVEZ RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2ND ABEL OLVERA RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
16-17 YRS /135 LBS
1ST KEITH CARSON AMERICAN SPORTS UNIVERSITY
2ND BEKSA SIBYROR DANGER ZONE
3RD JUSTIN HERNANDEZ
KIDS NOVICE
6-7 YRS /55LBS
1ST ATHENA ZEPEDA RIVERSIDE SUMISSION
2ND MARISSA RITCHIE RIVERSIDE SUMISSION
3RD DYLAN AGUILA TEAM AGUILA
6-7 YRS / 65 LBS
1ST ERICA RIVERA
2ND RYAN SPANGLER
3RD CODY TOLLER
8-9 YRS / 95 LBS
1ST KALEB AGUILA TEAM AGUILA
2ND GERVACE AGUILA TEAM AGUILA
3RD DAVID VAN PATTERSEN RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
10-11 YRS / 95 LBS
1ST GERVACE AGUILA TEAM AGUILA
2ND DAVID VAN PATTEN RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
12-13 YRS / 105 LBS
1ST JARED CALDERON RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2ND MICHAEL PAJARO
12-13YRS/115LBS
1ST CHRISTIAN MACBRAYNE RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2ND JOSEPH LOVE UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
12-13 YRS / 125 LBS
1ST MATTHEW WILLIAMS UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY (HDJ)
2ND MONIQUE MARTINEZ RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD NOLAN KISTLER WOODCREST
14-15 YRS / 155 LBS
1ST ETHAN FRANK HARTE JIU JITSU
2ND JESSE PETERSON RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD MOHAMMED CAMARA UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
14-15 YRS / 195 LBS
1ST ZACHARY WILLIAMS UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY (HDJ)
2ND ALLEN VARTAMAN HYE KATCH DO
3RD MOHAMMED CAMARA UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
16-17 YRS / 135 LBS
1ST BRENYN NICLCHELL UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
2ND ZACK ROCK
3RD HONOR SWIFT RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
KIDS INTERMEDIATE
6-7 YRS / 65 LBS
1ST MARKY SAMANO UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
2ND MARISSA RITCHIE RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD RYAN SPANGLER UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
8-9 YRS / 75 LBS
1ST MARKY SAMANO UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
2ND ATHENA ZEPEDA RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD DAVID RITCHIE RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
10/11 YRS / 95 LBS
1ST NATHANIEL VARGAS UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
2ND ISRAEL CHAVEZ RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD ABEL OLVERA RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
10-11 YRS / 105 LBS
1ST GERVACE AGUILA TEAM AGUILA
2ND JUSTIN VARGAS UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
12-13 YRS / 115 LBS
1ST MATTHEW WILLIAMS UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY (HDJ)
2ND DOMINIC HERNANDEZ RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD JUSTIN VARGAS
16-17 YRS / 145LBS
1ST RICHARD ROMERO RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2ND MICHAEL THOMAS UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
KIDS ADVANCED
8-9 YRS / 55LBS
1ST ATHENA ZEPEDA RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2ND DAVID RITCHIE RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD RYAN SPANGLER UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
12-13 YRS / 115 LBS
1ST JARED CALDERON RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2ND DOMINIC HERNANDEZ RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD CRISTIAN MAC BRAYNE RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
ADULT BEGINNER
135 LBS
1ST JUAN CARLOS GARCIA TEAM QUEST
2ND JEFF FERNANDEZ EXECUTIVE FITNESS
3RD ADRIAN NIETO RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
165 LBS
1ST DUSTIN TRAVERS
2ND JOSH RASMUSSEN RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD DANIEL GALVEZ
195 LBS
1ST CHRISTOPHER KELLENMEYER RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2ND BRIAN ALLER DANGER ZONE
3RD BALLENTIN CAMARGO UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
205 LBS
1ST TEDDY WILLIAMS UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY (HDJ)
2ND RYAN HAGLUND RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD RAFFI AGHUINIAN HKD
275
1ST JEFF JONAS UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
2ND MICHAEL RENTERIA RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD ALFRED VELASQUEZ UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
ADULT NOVICE
145 LBS
1ST KEITH CARSON AMERICAN SPORTS UNIVERSITY
2ND JUAN CARLOS GARCIA TEAM QUEST
3RD JASMINE HELLOCK RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
185 LBS
1ST SAUL LUGO DANGER ZONE
2ND CHRISTOPHER KELLERMEYER RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD CHRISTOPHER DICKERSON DANGER ZONE
275 LBS
1ST JEFF JONES UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
2ND MICHAEL RENTERIA RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
ADULT INTERMEDIATE
145 LBS
1ST PETER MARTINEZ AMERICAN SPORTS UNIVERSITY
2ND XAVIER ARREY RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3RD JUAN CARLOS GARCIA TEAM QUEST
165 LBS
1ST TODD GUIMOND RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2ND HJALAMR OCAMPO MILLINIA
3RD XAVIER ARREY RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
ADULT ADVANCED
165 LBS
1ST ADAM ROMAN HARTE JIU JITSU
2ND PETER MARTINEZ AMERICAN SPORTS UNIVERSITY
3RD JOSHUA RILEY DANGER ZONE
185 LBS
1ST RYAN SEBESTA HARTE JU-JITSU
2ND BRIAN AGUIRRE DANGER ZONE
3RD HUGO ANGULO RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
215 LBS
1ST JAIME SANDEZ AMERICAN SPORTS UNIVERSITY
2ND LUKE FOMWALD UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
275 LBS
1ST STEPHEN EAKIN AMERICAN SPORTS UNIVERSITY
2ND MICHAEL RENTERIA RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
For more information contact Franklin Aguirre:
topcagefighting@sbcglobal.net
Saturday, March 07, 2009 Credits: Gene LeBell Staff
KIDS BEGINNER
6-7 YRS / 55 LBS
1st LOGAN RIVERS RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2nd ERICA RIVERA RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3rd FORTINO SANCHEZ HAMMER HOUSE
8-9 YRS / 75 LBS
1st NATE VARGAS UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
2nd DAVID RITCHIE RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3rd BRANDON ESPARZA RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
10-11 YRS / 75 LBS
1st JUSTIN VARGAS UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
2nd HARLEY ESPARZA RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3rd ALEX LOPEZ HIGH DESERT JUDO
12-13 YRS / 115 LBS
1st ADAM BETTS HIGH DESERT JUDO
2nd NOLAN KISTLES RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3rd KYLE DONADO UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
16-17 YRS / 155 LBS
1st DAVID HERNANDEZ HIGH DESERT JUDO
2nd BAZ DONADO UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
3rd ETHAN FRANK HARTE SUBMISSION
KIDS NOVICE
8 - 9 YRS / 65 LBS
1st PETER TROY RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2nd HAIDEN GONZALES RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3rd BRICE WEST RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
10-11 YRS / 75 LBS
1st LUKE TROY RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2nd AMBER WEST RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3rd JOSEPH EIPHRIM TEAM HAMMER HOUSE
14-15 YRS /125 LBS
1st BRONSON CASAREZ UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
2nd SCOTT SEBESTA HARTE JIU JITSU
3rd STEVEN GLOVER HIGH DESERT JUDO
14-15 YRS / 160 LBS
1st FRANK KLEM RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2nd ALLEN VANTURIAN HYE KATCH DO
KIDS INTERMEDIATE
8 - 9 YRS / 65 LBS
1st PETER TROY RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2nd MARK SAMANO UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
3rd CELIA DIAZ RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
14-15 YRS / 185LBS
1st ZACHARY WILLIAMS HIGH DESERT JUDO
2nd KEATON EDWARDS HIGH DESERT JUDO
ADULT BEGINNER
135 LBS
1st KEITH CARSON AMERICAN SPORTS UNIVERSITY (ASU)
2nd MICHAEL THOMAS BIBLE BAPTIST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (BBCA)
3rd JASMINE HERNANDEZ HIGH DESERT JUDO
155 LBS
1st DANNY JAEGER RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2nd ANDREW DELGADO FIGHT WORX
3rd CODY KENNEDY HARTE JIU JITSU
165 LBS
1st ANDREW KOKESH HAYASTAN ACADEMY
2nd JASON CHRISTIANSON EVOLVED MARTIAL ARTS
175 LBS
1st ISIAH WHEELER RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2nd JUSTIN EASTWOOD ANY TIME FITNESS
3rd RYAN PALMER MAIN EVENT
185 LBS
1st OLEG TSABUR ULTIMATE GRAPPLING ACADEMY
2nd BRANDON WEIL TORRES TRAINING
3rd CHRISTOPHER KELLERMEYER RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
205 LBS
1st JOE GONZALEZ FIGHT WORX
2nd CAMARGO BALENTIN UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
3rd ERICKA NEWSONE FIGHT WORX
250 LBS
1st JEFF JONES UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
2nd PAUL ATAMIAN HYE KATCH DO
3rd RON CELLE UNIVERSAL GRAPPLING ACADEMY
ADULT NOVICE
165 LBS
1st JONATHAN NOMURA LEO VIERA
2nd ANDREW KOKESH HAYASTAN ACADEMY
175 LBS
1st BRYAN JUNKER RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2nd TRAVIS ROMERO RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3rd SAUL LUGO DANGER ZONE
185 LBS
1st RYAN HAGLUND RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2nd CHRIS COLEBROOK GRIFFIN FIGHTING SYSTEM TEAM
205 LBS
1st DWAYNE JOHNSON GENE LEBELL / GOKOR
2nd LUIS GAMINO DANGER ZONE
ADULT INTERMEDIATE
125 LBS
1st THOMAS CASADEZ RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2nd EDWIN NAJMI HYE KATCH DO
3rd JASMINE HOLLOCK
165 LBS
1st RYAN SEBESTA YUCAIPA GOLD TEAM
2nd MATT SOLIZ YUCAIPA GOLD TEAM
3rd JOHN SOLIZ YUCAIPA GOLD TEAM
175 LBS
1st TRAVIS ROMERO RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
2nd BRYAN JUNKER RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3rd CHARLES WILSON DANGER ZONE
250 LBS
1st STEPHEN EAKIN AMERICAN SPORTS UNIVERSITY (ASU)
2nd JASON PIERCE HIGH DESERT JUDO
ADULT ADVANCED
145 LBS
1st CLAY DENHAM HARTE JIU JITSU
2nd ANGELO CRINZI DANGER ZONE
3rd CHRIS CLARK HAYASTAN
165 LBS
1st RICHARD SCHILLER AMERICAN SPORTS UNIVERSITY (ASU)
2nd ADAM ROMAN HARTE JIU JITSU
3rd CHRIS COSBIE AMERICAN SPORTS UNIVERSITY (ASU)
175 LBS
1st MANNY GONZALES GRACIE BAJA TEMECULA
2nd DANIEL NAVARRO RIVERSIDE SUBMISSION
3rd JON VAN SCHAIK THE 9
For more information contact Franklin Aguirre:
topcagefighting@sbcglobal.net
Wednesday, February 04, 2009 Credits: genelebell.com
Chuck Norris "Borrows" Gene's Black Belt
Story By Gene LeBell as told to Ray Normandin
"Many years ago, one of the first times I worked out with Chuck Norris was in the gymnasium at Los Angeles City College. Chuck had come in ready for a workout and I noticed he was wearing a white belt. I thought to my self, "that Chuck Norris is a black belt in his system and he is very well respected, what the heck is he doing in a white belt?"
"In my schools or wherever I teach, I strongly advocate cross training. I believe if a martial artist comes in, especially a black belt, he or she can teach their techniques to other people that might want to learn some of their moves. In my opinion, if a person is actually a black belt, I feel they should wear their black belt even if they are not training in the style they are trying to learn. Now if that person were afraid of getting beat up, then they would wear a white belt to throw any accomplished black belt off. However, Chuck Norris is a modest man, he is not braggadocios, so he wore his white belt and I said to him, "Hey Chuck, you wear a black belt don't you?" Chuck replied back, " I didn't bring a black belt with me". So I decided to give him one of my black belts with my name on it. You know, "Gene LeBell."
"We worked out and had a great time. When we finished and it came time for us to leave, I was sitting there waiting for my black belt back and (*) Chuck takes it with him. I knew then how much Chuck Norris wanted to be just like me!!! I went up to Chuck's dear friend, Bob Wall, who was also training with us, and said "Gee, Chuck took my belt". Bob replied, "Well, that is tough, that's what he does to ugly guys".
"The next thing I knew Chuck was doing a movie in Houston, Texas called "Sidekicks". I believe Chuck was rehearsing with Bob Wall and wearing a karate gi and my black belt. A dozen young kids eventually saw that Chuck was wearing "my" belt and said out loud, "Why is Mr. Norris, wearing a black belt with someone else's name on it?" Bob Wall told me, he told the kid's, "The only way to wear another man's belt is to kill him in a death match".
"Bob called me on my cell phone and said, "Gene it seems that in Houston, Texas; you're a dead man". It seems that I can't go to Texas and work on any more movies or anything else and to top it all off, Chuck still has my black belt to this day. In fact, there is a great picture of Chuck Norris and Bob Wall standing back to back in their karate gis and Chuck is wearing my black belt in the picture.
"During this time, I had the opportunity to see Chuck Norris in all his karate glory. Chuck was having dinner with three of his friends. After a wonderful dining experience, the check was delivered to the table. Of course, each man went for the check to the pay the balance of the meal. However, Chuck would have nothing to do with this. He wanted to pay the check himself and wouldn't take no for an answer. Well, the other three men wouldn't take no for an answer either, so Chuck had to fight them for the check. With a few artfully placed kicks and throws, he threw one guy over his shoulder. Chuck did the famous "Chuck Norris Spinning Back Kick" to the second guy. The third and fourth guys, he took out at the same time with a well placed combination of a round kick and a spinning back fist, it was as if Chuck had forgotten that this was real life and not a movie. No man from the table was left standing and Mr. Norris paid the bill. Many of Chuck's friends call him by his given name, Carlos; most people call him Chuck Norris or Mr. Norris. However, if you are dining with Chuck Norris, you had better be quick with the cash or remember his real name, which stems from his manners at the dinner table, "Check Norris".
"Let me get serious for a moment, in the movie business there is a pecking order. That order is extra, production assistant, second A.D., first A.D., and all the way up to the top. Chuck Norris is at the Top; he is a producer, a director, an actor and a star. However, Chuck will talk to an extra or stuntman like they are his equals. Chuck Norris is modest and humble. I have heard Chuck say, "Oh, anybody can beat me, I just get out there and have fun" which isn't actually so. I have seen Chuck work out and he works harder than anyone I have ever seen at perfecting his art. He puts on great seminars and is very attentive to the needs of his students. I have put on my share of seminars and have taken off my belt only to have someone run off with my belt and even my gi top. Who thought Chuck Norris would be the next guy to take off without giving me back my black belt, go figure!
"This time I will be serious; Chuck Norris is an outstanding martial artist, a great actor, a good friend and a class act!"
Gene LeBell
*Chuck did not really steal Gene's belt. Gene insisted that Chuck take it to wear the next time he came to the dojo. Chuck has stated he considers it an honor to have been given the belt and he wears it as a sign of respect. The above story is stated for humor's sake. Gene also says that the reports of his death are greatly exaggerated.
Sunday, February 26, 2006 Credits: genelebell.com
Gene LeBell has made a tremendous contribution to the martial arts community, and though he will stoutly deny it, he is admired and appreciated by nearly all of the greatest fighters alive today. In 2000, Chairman Gene LeBell was promoted to the rank of 9th Degree Black Belt in US JU-JITSU and US TAIHO JUTSU by the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF), The National Governing Body for Ju-Jitsu in the United States of America.
On February 26, 2005, the USJJF's Central Technical Committee (CTC) through its National Program of USA TRADITIONAL KODOKAN JUDO (USA-TKJ), officially announced the Recognition of Life-Time of Achievements, Outstanding Leadership & Original Contributions to Traditional Judo by Gene LeBell and his Promotion to the Traditional Kodokan Judo Dan Grade of Kudan, 9th Degree Black Belt.
Congratulations for this Most Well-Deserved Recognition & Promotions.
Respectfully, Lt.Col. Bruce R. Bethers, (US ARMY Ret.), President, USJJF
