"The straight punch is the core of Jeet Kune Do."—Bruce Lee The straight lead was a key element in Bruce Lee's development of his own personal style. It was designed to be uncomplicated, economical, and brutally effective but is not as simple as it might seem. Bruce Lee once described it the most difficult move in the Jeet Kune Do arsenal.Lee developed JKD as a response to the shortcomings he found in traditional martial arts, but it also includes elements of Western combat systems that he found effective. It incorporates contributions ranging from Jack Dempsey's approach to boxing to the fencing style of Aldo Nadi.In The Straight Lead: The Core of Bruce Lee's Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do[/i], author Teri Tom describes the development of the straight punch in Western martial arts and describes Bruce Lee's refinement of the technique. It also offers a thorough instruction in the complexity and power of the move—showing martial artists of any discipline how to incorporate this devastating attack into their repertoire.With forewords by Shannon Lee Keasler and Ted Wong, chapters include:A Brief History of Straight PunchingEvolution of Jeet Kune Do's Straight LeadThe StanceMechanics of the Straight LeadFootworkWhy the Straight Lead? ApplicationSpeedVariations of the Straight PunchWhat Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do is NotGo to the SourceAn Interview with Ted Wong
Apply the combat science of Bruce Lee's revolutionary martial art! This martial arts manual describes his research into the how and why of Jeet Kune Do techniques. Bruce Lee wrote of «three stages of cultivation» that lie along the path to JKD mastery: The Stage of Innocence —this is the level of the absolute beginner. The Stage of Art —the student is immersed in the process of technical and physical training. The Stage of Artlessness —the stage of «highest art» in which the body is no longer hindered by the mind. As Bruce Lee would say, «It hits all by itself.»To reach the final stage, the student must progress methodically through the Stage of Art—there are no shortcuts! Author Teri Tom guides you on this journey by revealing the science behind the moves in Jeet Kune Do repertoire. You'll learn how to protect yourself from injury, and maximize the effectiveness of the following core techniques and their variations: Straight Lead; Rear Cross; Hook; Uppercut; Straight Kick; Hook Kick; Side Kick; and Spinning Back Kick.You'll also learn aboutBruce Lee's revolutionary approach to combat that takes advantage of human biomechanics;How to evade attacks, and use those evasive movements to launch counter-attacks;Natural ways to chain your moves into seamless combinations; The importance of developing mental and physical speed, footwork, cadence, good timing and judgment of distance; All techniques are traced to the original sources that inspired Bruce Lee.