Gene LeBell

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 1000 films and TV shows and has authored 12 books In 2000 the United States JuJitsu 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 Tarantinos Once Upon a Time in Hollywood