Teri Tom is one of the world’s foremost authorities on Bruce Lee’s Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do. Her Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do lineage traces directly to Bruce Lee via Ted Wong, Lee's close friend, preferred sparring partner, and most prominent student (more private sessions with Lee than any other individual). Tom herself clocked over 1,000 hours of private study with Sifu Wong.
She has served as a board member of the Bruce Lee Foundation, appeared in the documentary I Am Bruce Lee, and graced the cover of Black Belt Magazine. She has also authored two books on JFJKD, Jeet Kune Do: The Arsenal of Self-Expression and The Straight Lead: The Core of Bruce Lee’s Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, which has been in publication since 2005. That book set the record straight on many misconceptions regarding JFJKD and remains a foundational text on the art. An updated version with a new introduction was released in 2026.
About Teri Tom and JFJKD
What People are saying
"I regard Teri Tom as perhaps the most articulate and scientific JKD instructor out there."
Robert W. Young
Executive Editor of Black Belt Magazine
“What impressed me most was the depth of research and the respect shown for Bruce Lee's original teachings. Tom doesn't simply explain how to execute the straight lead. She explores its historical influences, its biomechanics, the principles behind its efficiency, and why it became the centerpiece of Lee's approach to combat. The inclusion of insights passed down through Ted Wong, one of Bruce Lee's closest private students, adds a level of authenticity that is difficult to find elsewhere."
Paul Bax
Author of Disciples of the Dragon
“By grounding her analysis in both technical breakdown and scientific principles of the punch, Teri has produced an essential reference for anyone seriously studying Jeet Kune Do. For those of us fortunate enough to have trained with Ted Wong, this book feels like one more lesson from our beloved sifu. I know this work gave him great satisfaction, as it captures and organizes decades of insight he developed after Bruce Lee’s passing, refining his understanding of the technique he was entrusted to preserve. That knowledge is now carefully documented here for future generations."
Tommy Gong
Author of Bruce Lee: The Evolution of a Martial Artist
"Highly recommended! This book is an intelligent and fascinating examination of Bruce Lee's 'straight lead' punch. Teri Tom does an incredible job documenting the painstaking process Bruce Lee went through to develop the punch and clearly explains the principles behind it. Anyone interested in JKD will benefit from this book--even if you are not interested in Jeet Kune Do, the techniques and principles laid out will help you look at every strike you throw in a different, more scientific, and practical way."
David Christian
Creator of the YouTube channel The Modern Martial Artist, author of Footwork Wins Fights and Aggressive Defense
