I find it interesting that Teri Tom had no martial arts experience at all when she found Ted Wong and began to study Jeet Kune do. Teri Tom isn't what the masses have been trained to expect in a martial arts teacher--neither are her methods. That may be why I bought this book. She teaches what ~is~ concerning this important combative building block, what works. That being said, the practical means and methods contained within Tom's book are the foundation of Boxing, kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do, numerous systems of Chinese and Okinawan Karate (Kyokushinkai if we're talking actual competitive combat), and a number of other practical street oriented schools.
The Straight Lead. Fundamental element within virtually every school of boxing in the world, regardless of culture. This is a very technical treatis on a foundation technique contained in virtually every form of fistic art known to man. Within this volume you'll discover a history of fighters (generally Western boxers) who were known for controlling matches by their application of the straight lead, as well as the connection between the straight lead and fencing, how Bruce Lee became enamored of this technique and came to include it in the core of his jeet kune do curriculum, and more.
The explanation of stances and footwork going beyond the usual (yawn) basic fare. You don't have to ask why, Teri Tom explains the physics of the technique and how variations in stance, balance, and body shifting can influence the application of the straight lead. Also included are drills for speed and timing, bag work, combining with other techniques. I like the fact that there are plenty of photographs to clearly get the concepts across, while the writen descriptions leave no room for doubts. The whole work flows well and is put together in a logical and understandable way. You most certainly do not have to be a Jeet Kune Do afficianado to understand this book. I believe it will be of assistance to any person with a mind for understanding mechanics or the technical side of martial arts practice.