A whole lotta fun. Is there anyone on the planet who isn't grappling? Oh, we're sure you might be able to find somebody somewhere. The next time you go to the mountains look under a few rocks. You might find somebody there. Other than that, forget it. Everybody's rolling. If you'd like to get a few more finishing holds under your belt, check out Gene LeBell's new encyclopedia. Don't let the word "encyclopedia" scare you off. This book doesn't have anything to do with the middle ages, chemistry or the geography of Peru. This is Gene LeBell's new book Grappling World: The Encyclopedia of Finishing Holds. This baby has 500 + pages and more than 1,000 finishing holds. It's got everything.
Unlike some encyclopedias, this one is a whole lot of fun to read. Unless you're a real sourpuss, you'll find yourself laughing out loud at LeBell's hilarious sense of humor. -- Karate/Kung Fu Illustrated - August 1999
When you browse through Gene LeBell's new book, Grappling World; The Encyclopedia of Finishing Holds, the first thing that enters your mind is pain. No, not the kind of pain that results from a bad experience. On the contrary, this is a great book. It's just that the techniques he demonstrates look like they cause pain - a whole lotta pain.
Next, you'll find yourself laughing out loud at LeBell's wonderful sense of humor. Not only are his facial expressions absolutely classic, he has also written some funny descriptions of his techniques. For Example, in the section on "Grips and Handles" LeBell writes: "The pain is much more excruciating if you grab your opponent's testicles rather than his penis." In parentheses, he writes: "(Only works on men.)"
You'll also be touched by the foreward. LeBell writes: "When a teacher dies, a world of knowledge is lost forever. That's why I have no secrets. So when I die, cast my ashes to the four winds. For as long as my students live and teach, I will live" The book which features more than 1,000 finishing holds, is excellent. Get your hands on a copy as soon as you can. -- Martial Arts Training Magazine - May 1999
From the Author
"If you want to get good and sound knowledgeable, purchase this book, a classic in its field and a legend in its own time. I have been to two world's fairs and an all night gas station and I've never seen anything like it. Not all techniques work on all people, so if you learn this entire book and still get beat, I have friends who can get you a discount on machine guns and hand grenades (the bad news is you might have to go to Cuba to get 'em.)"
About the Author
Gene LeBell has spent time as a judo champion, unlimited fighter, professional wrestler, teacher, author, television announcer/commentator, actor, stuntman, and motorcycle expert. He enjoys grappling and teaching grappling in the hopes that it might help students to a smoother road in life. He partners with Gokor Chivichyan, "the best student he has ever trained," in a grappling and judo school. LeBell is still working in motion pictures and TV to this day, and has appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows through the years.
