Gene LaBell's aburd leg lock techniques

[Americana]

The latest addition of Grappler magazine has an article (photo spread) on leg submissions by Judo Gene Labell. This material is completely absurd and would only work on an opponent who had just been run over by a truck.

First, for some reason they put old man LaBell (about 70 years old) in a speedo w/ no shirt. He looks like one these old men you see at the swiming pool at the Y: chicken legs, vericose veins, big belly, hairless caved in chest. LaBell's opponent looks like a survivor of a concentration camp. Come to think of it that might be the only kind of people Labell's techniques work on.

Labell shows leg locks of someone who has you in their guard. In one move you step you stand in the guard and step one leg across their body, step your other leg the other way and sit down! It's really a joke.

[Mako]

Dude,

If you don't care for the techniques, cool.

But to make ad hominem...errr, personal attacks on the guy isn't cool.

Judo Gene is a living legend, a genuine class act, and is almost universally liked in the MA community. I would guess that even as you described him, he would give you or I all we could handle.

[Oldskulbus]

There is two people in the world I wouldn't ever want to fight. One of them is Gene Labell. The guy may be old as dirt but he has been in more fights than probably any other martial artist alive. He may have some funky techniques but rest assured that he can make them work. If you have ever read through his books you will realize that he has a whole bunch of stuff that is really good but he also has some stuff that will only work if the guy you are fighting dosn't know anything.
I would think that every grappler would have read at least his book of joint locks and finishing moves.
If you are ever in Hollywood Ca. I would suggest that you try to train with him a little.

[Americana]

You've got to see the techniques, they are a joke! There's an even worse picture from LaBell on his video tape add. The "victim" is in some kind of yoga position, both feet behind his head! LaBell is really cranking the sub! They have Labell in a speedo again. It's real ugly.

[Ryu (non-working password]

Oldskulbus, who's the other guy you would never want to fight??


Ryu

[Mako]

Keep in mind, Gene seems to "goof" a lot too. He has a good sense of humor. In pics where he is subbing someone, he usually has a hilarious grimace on his face; or like you said, the guy in the yoga position. He's just trying to be funny.

[Oldskulbus]

As for the other guy...

Ryu,

Check your private mail... The other guy is my teacher. No one knows him here so I didn't bother to throw out his name. I got him in a head lock once so he could show me a defense for it... The next thing I knew I was about 14 feet away on my head. I have no idea how he did it. But it didn't feel good on the thick mats we use. I couldn't imagine it on cement.

[whaledog]

I made the mistake of asking Gene about the half Boston crab from your opponent's guard once . . . once.

You see, I saw it in his Encyclopedia of Finishing Holds but I didn't think I could make it work. I asked Gene how he turns his opponent over to initiate the hold (very respectfully). He proceeded to demonstrate his technique on me in what, for him - not me, was a gentle manner.

The moral of the story is that some moves are more "bread and butter" than others, but that doesn't mean the more exotic techniques are useless. And if you don't believe that he can make a certain submission work, think twice before you ask him about it.

Gene may be old, but I sure as hell would never want to cross him. He is still one of the toughest men alive.

-Jeff

[Mr. Miyagi]

Those old guys in the local Y swimming pool????
ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!
He really should get a shirt!!!!!

[z]

Labell is a bad ass. Old school real deal to the day he dies. Talkn crap about this legend is not right.

[TracyKarate]

Americana,(you don't sound very American to me sir) I suppose you would believe Gene Labell to be a tough customer if he had a bodybuilder's physique? You sound very young and naive. A piece of advice, you will never get to that next belt with an attitude like yours. ALWAYS respect those who are more experienced than yourself, be it in life or the "combative arts".

[McLeod]

Gene is a class act.
I have eaten dinner with the man and attended two martal arts Events with he and Gokor. He's hollywood bred and alot of his moves tend to be over dramatized, but he's as tough as they come. The man is 70 for God's sake. Let me assure you, if you're even ALIVE at 70, you sure as heck won't be throwing around 30 year olds, nor will you be rolling with them. Show respect where it is due. And Gene Lebell, pink Gi and all, deserves more than most.
And he's drop dead funny to boot.

[SweepEm]

Originally posted by Americana
The latest addition of Grappler magazine has an article (photo spread) on leg submissions by Judo Gene Labell. This material is completely absurd and would only work on an opponent who had just been run over by a truck.

First, for some reason they put old man LaBell (about 70 years old) in a speedo w/ no shirt. He looks like one these old men you see at the swiming pool at the Y: chicken legs, vericose veins, big belly, hairless caved in chest. LaBell's opponent looks like a survivor of a concentration camp. Come to think of it that might be the only kind of people Labell's techniques work on.

Labell shows leg locks of someone who has you in their guard. In one move you step you stand in the guard and step one leg across their body, step your other leg the other way and sit down! It's really a joke.

you're a moron.

If you knew anything about the martail arts and recent history, you would know about Gene La Belle.
Sure he LOOKS like someone's grandfather.
You should see him when he teaches class in his pepto bismal pink Gi. He looks and sometimes acts goofy.
But looks can be deceiving.......

I remember the first BJJ tournament I was at, and a friend pointed him out to me. I stood in disbelief since I had heard so many impressive things about Sensei La Belle. Gene is a legend among many Judoka.
If you research, you will find out about his sparring with both Seagal and Bruce Lee.

Many friends have trained with Gene and have only the highest respect for him, whether he looks out of shape, in a speedo or in a Gi.

[duchman]

Gene lebell is cool

[Mr. Miyagi]

Americana, don't listen to these guys, they don't have a sense of humor. I think you've been on a roll since the new Mousel's opened up! I've actually been clicking on your threads 'cause they're always so hilarious!