Ivan Gene LeBell (born October 9, 1932) is an American martial artist, stunt performer, actor, and former professional wrestler. Nicknamed "the Godfather of Grappling", LeBell is widely credited with popularizing grappling in professional fighting circles, serving as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts. LeBell has also worked on over 1,000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books. In 2000, the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) promoted him to 9th Dan in jujitsu and taihojutsu. On August 7, 2004, the World Martial Arts Masters Association promoted LeBell to 10th Degree and in February 2005, he was promoted to 9th Dan in Traditional Judo by the USJJF. LeBell served as an inspiration for the character of Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Let's Do It Again
King Kong
Rush Hour
Conflict of Interest
No Holds Barred
Spider-Man 2
Independence Day
The Last Castle
Loose Cannons
Trial and Error
Ed Wood
The Morning After
As Good as It Gets
Men in Black II
Raging Bull
Trancers II: The Return of Jack Deth
White Dog
Night and the City
Kickboxer 2: The Road Back
Bronco Billy
