Since I translated the books and videos I can honestly say that they are great. If they weren't I wouldn't have put in all that time, would I? But here are some comments from people who have bought the books, just to prove my point.
Di Guoyong on Xingyiquan
"While I can not claim to literally 'have seen them all'; over my 26 years of involvement with xingyiquan I can claim to have seen most of the books published in Chinese or in English on the art of xingyiquan. I just got through reading Andrea Falk's new translation of Di Guoyong's On Xingyiquan Volume One: Five Element Foundation and I think it is an outstanding xingyi book. In fact if someone asked my advice for one book that would go further in helping their xingyi develop I would tell them to buy this one. There are lots of xingyi books out there. Some, such as Sun Lu Tang's, are important from a historical standpoint, others such as Robert Smith's are full of interesting stories but the majority of xingyi books are quite light on practical details of how to practice xingyi. In contrast, Di Guoyong's On Xingyiquan Volume One: Five Element Foundation is full of practical, detailed information that you can use to improve your xingyi. It is kind of odd, given the fact that the 5 Element Fist (splitting, drilling, crushing, pounding and crossing) are the 'heart and soul' of xingyi but most xingyi books give a fairly perfunctory discussion of them. Di Guoyong has devoted an entire volume to them and that is great news for all xingyi students.
The book stands out for a number of reasons. As I have just mentioned, one of the reasons is the details and practical suggestions the book contains, but along with this several other things really stood out in my mind. For example, the photos are clear and provide multiple angles on the postures. This is not a trivial point. A lot of xingyi books I have seen have photos that are little more than black dots resembling humans set against a slightly lighter black backgrounds or the photos are shot from weird angles causing the reader to have guess what is going on. The photos in this book are free from those banes. One thing I have never seen in any xingyi book is photos shot from over head looking down on the posture. This book has them and I thought they were extremely helpful.
The book also stands out for another reason; it discusses the importance of lively movement in xingyi. The book focuses on both proper static posture and on the dynamics of xingyi movement and this is an extremely important and often overlooked point. A lot of xingyi I have seen over the years ends up being a guy (or gal) in a great looking static posture, then kind of cumbersomely (and often fairly slowly) plodding on to the next posture. This approach ignores the fact that martial arts is about movement not just about 'striking a pose' (to steal a line from an old Madonna song). This book addresses in detail the dynamics of xingyi and that is a very valuable contribution.
Another thing that I thought was very special about this book was Di Guoyong's practicality and honesty. Let me give you an example, on page 180 Di Laoshi is talking about common mistakes and how a teacher should correct them. Specifically he is talking about the problem of 'head bobbing' (i.e. the head rising up when moving forward). Now most xingyi books will simply state categorically‚ 'thou head shall not come up or thee have committed a xingyi sin', or something to that effect. But in the real world, at least among the human beings I have seen, everyone's head bobs up a bit. Di Guoyong honestly and helpfully admits this practical reality. He says; 'a certain rise and fall can not be avoided, but it should be limited to 5% of the person's height'. I found that single comment so refreshing in that most books on xingyi just state a formulistic approach that does not reflect the real world of real practitioners. In contrast Di Laoshi gives some practical advice to try and keep the head bobbing down to about 5%. That is advice I can use. And it is advice like that that makes this book so outstanding." Brian Kennedy, Taiwan, author of Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals: A Historical Survey
"Di Laoshi's book is excellent and once again you have done a fantastic job with the translation work. Reading through the book is like having Di Laoshi here personally teaching. I am sure that this work and the ones to follow will greatly help us absorb his ideas, principles and teaching concepts on Xing Yi. All our Xing Yi students have purchased copies of the book and everyone has found the book informative and easy to read." Nick Scrima, Florida
"I enjoy [Di Guoyong on Xingyi, vol. 1] very much. I would say it is the best book and the most brillant translation that I have read during the last 50 years. I would say that I do not a think that a translator can go any closer the mind of the author. I am sure Master Di Goyong is very proud of having you to spread the knowledge of this style. I will read and read it again and each time I will understand better. Many thanks Andrea for allowing my knowledge to increase... Bravo and my congratulations again. Thanks Master Di when you contact him, he is a brillant expert. After more than 50 years in Martial arts (as an amateur) it is the first time I met a team like yours, your knowledge is impressive." Pierre Croullebois, South Africa
"You've done it again! Another outstanding contribution to help those of us in the West who are trying to get to grips with the deeper aspects of Xing Yi. My copy [of Five Element Foundation] arrived yesterday. I hope you won't make us wait too long for the next two volumes! Your commitment to the undertaking is profoundly appreciated." Keith Alker, England.
"I've been waiting patiently (?). Already ordered a copy [of Di Guoyong's volume 2] through your site. I know it will be a superb job before I even see it. Thanks again for the effort you put into these translations." Keith Alker, England.
"I received the books, and I am totally blown away with how in depth and detailed they are. I was just telling a training buddy lately that there were no real books on Xingyi in English, ones that explained the theory, and not just the forms. These books are great." Jesse Conley, USA
Books in general
"Thanks Andrea, we in the Chinese martial arts community, and me personally, certainly appreciate your efforts in translating and publishing new material." Ron Panunto, USA
"I have [all] your translations on Xingyi and Bagua and as far as I am concerned, they are a gold mine! By the way, I am looking forward to your translation of the Di Guoyong book. Your translations are great work!" Roger Drolet, Texas.
"(The books are) brilliant. I love the illustrations in Yan Dehua's book, and the short, incisive descriptions for the applications themselves bring Bagua to life. All the books are very clear, and I personally think it is great that you are taking the time to translate these masterpieces of Chinese martial literature into English." Chris Rayner, Surrey, England
"Andrea has done a marvelous job with her books, including Chinese and pinyin in a pleasant font and many classics in original and translation also. This can come only from a deep and understanding attachment to the task. Congratulations!" Ernst Krudl, Austria
"I like the way you translate these books. It makes a difference because you have a martial arts background. I have seen some translations of other material where the translator did not capture the meaning because they had no idea of what it was they were attempting to describe." William Johnson, Colorado
"As you said, the book itself is very good but I would say that the translation is excellent.... you have certainly brought to light the intrinsic value of the Master's teaching." Pierre Croullebois, South Africa
Jiang Rongqiao's Baguazhang
"Your translation of Jiang Rongqiao's Baguazhang is superb. Thanks for making it available in English. I am of Chinese descent myself but can't speak any Chinese." Robert I.., England
"I've just received the package of Jiang Rongqiao's Baguazhang Book, VCD, translation, and Adobe still shots. What a lovely combo! I already have a dog-eared version of your book but I'm glad you've made the changes that you did to the new version. Job well done! Thanks again for really superior, pains-taking quality products, service and attitude." Andrew Watts
"[The Jiang Rongqiao book] is an extremely useful reference as I am learning the form in class. The photographs are clear and reinforce the excellent drawings." Lewis Rivera, IL
"... I had ordered the same [Jiang Rongqiao and Yan Dehua] baguazhang books before. But, I lent them to a friend, and he liked them so much that I finally decided to buy another set. The works you have translated and put together are high quality and worth the cost, unlike some other materials I have seen." Scott Freeman, Japan.
"Just wanted to drop you a line to say that the [Jiang Rongqiao] book arrived today. Thank you very much. Your translation and adaptation of the book is excellent on my first fast pass. Thanks again." Greg Buckles
"I was really amazed at the detail and effort you went through to put this [Jiang Rongqiao book] work together. While I found the drawings helpful, I really liked the photographs of your kung fu brother doing the various palm changes." Mark Baker, South Carolina
"The (Jiang) book is an excellent addition to my collection and invaluable as a reference tool. It is fascinating having finished the eight palm changes to go through the book and pick out the subtle differences in emphasis imparted by various teachers.... Great work, keep it up and thanks again." Neil Bates, Hampshire, England.
"Just received (Jiang Rongqiao) book and it's excellent! Excellent translation, descriptions and pics." Christain Wilby, England
Yan Dehua's Bagua Applications
"Having seen the sample method from the book you featured on the TGL website, I was initially intrigued by "Yan Dehua's Bagua Applications" book as a curio item. However, I have to say that after examining it I've rapidly come to appreciate the diverse martial tactics depicted in the master's book. They provide much food for thought and the "energy and flow" of the methods are graphically shown in the extraordinary illustrations accompanying the descriptions of the movements for the reader. Frankly, I can't recall ever seeing a method book with drawings that are as evocative of movement as these are. I also appreciated your translation of the text. It's really helpful to have the technique translation done by someone who is also an experienced martial artist. This is a little gem of a book." Neil Chang, Lynnwood, WA
"I just wanted to add my praise to all the accolades you have received for your excellent translation of Yan Dehua's text. You have performed a great service to Bagua practitioners such as myself who do not read Chinese. It is a far, far better rendering than the Lee Ying Arng version I have had since the 1970's." Russell Sauls, TN
"One thing I like very much also about [Yan Dehua's bagua applications] is that you put the original Chinese characters next to the Pinyin transliteration plus the diacritics for the tones. .... I have a dictionary, but it's a lot more convenient when the pronunciations are already given in the text ! ... you're more at home conveying the nuance of the original, e.g. "thread one's arm" etc. .. sounds much better than Crandall's series." Kohei Sawabe, Montreal
"I've enjoyed studying your translation of Yan Dehua's book on baguazhang applications. While I'm not sure about the effectiveness of the applications themselves, I found your translation to be very clear. It was particularly helpful to have the Mandarin words for some of the specialized terms, like "lifting energy" and "sink the chest". For effective learning and out of respect for these arts, I think serious students should learn some "martial Mandarin". I'm looking forward to seeing your translation of Li Tianji's 'The Skill of Xingyiquan'". Tom Campbell, Seattle
"This has got to be the cutest book of martial applications ever compiled.... this little book has many wonderful interpretations of bagua movement all beautifully illustrated. A very fun book" Alfred Westlake, Somatic Journeys Massage Therapy, Colorado.
"Thank you so much for making this great [Yan Dehua] book available!!! ... I didn't think anyone would finally endeavor to translate this awesome text into English. I feel very lucky to have chanced upon your website and to have found that you are offering this book." Dennis Mace, Seattle
Li Tianji's The Skill of Xingyiquan
"Li TianJi's book " Skill of Xing Yi Quan " is exceptional and I congratulate you on the translation. I had first seen a Chinese copy of the work from Li Deyin and was very happy to see an English translation of the work." Nick Scrima, Florida.
"Your translated [Li Tianji] book is excellently organized, the presentation and format is clear, detailed and very complete, thanks." Gary Wong, Ottawa
"Thank you so much for your very complete book Li Tianji's xingyiquan, I trained with Professor Li De Yin, who uses the same basics that are in your book, and I have found your translation invaluable in helping me to gain further knowledge in HsingYi." John Read, United Kingdom
"You've probably heard this before, but I'm going to say it anyways, the [Li tianji] book is excellent. Detailed and direct. Thank you again." Jose R. Albaine, Brazil.
"The [Li Tianji] book was wonderfully translated. Thank you very much!" Bud Gardner, Rochester, NY.
"I wanted to let you know the book, Li Tianji Skill of Xingyiquan, arrived safe and sound yesterday... really, the book is outstanding... You have done the English speaking martial arts community a great service by getting this out in English, especially in such a professional format." Brian Kennedy, Taiwan
"Thank you so much for your prompt attention to my book order and especially for your excellent translation of The Skill of Xingyiquan by Mr. Li Tianji. I am just in the midst of reading your translation, but I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your choice, your informed and careful English translation and your work as publisher." Sara Grimes, Beijing
"I am so glad you translated (Li Tianji's Skill of Xingyiquan). It is an excellent book and I think you did a great job translating it. Its on my top 5 martial arts books of all time. Thanks." Bryan Zarnett, Toronto, Canada
"Just few lines to express my congratulations for the excellent job you did in order to translate the Xingyiquan book of Li Yulin and Li Tianji. I also translated (into Italian) in the past 25 year quite a few articles and books for my better understanding of Neijia practice, and can confirm that is not such an easy job - especially from Chinese! So, I'm enjoying very much the book." Luigi Zanini, Italy
"I was very impressed with the completeness of Li Tianji's book in encompassing the whole of the system of xingyiquan. I had never before seen such a complete exposition of the art in a single volume. Furthermore I was impressed with the translation and the layout of your book. I particularly liked that the pinyin had the tone marks.... to have the tone marks is a real asset." Peter Gilligan, North Ireland
"I thought I would let you know that the (Li Tianji) book arrived on Friday. I haven't been able to put it down since. I read it once and am going back through it for the second time. It is the best xingyi book I have ever seen. The information is invaluable and even the binding is great. ... Please keep up the good work! " Carl Magnuson, Topeka, Kansas
"(Li Tianji is) an absolutely brilliant translation that continues to be extremely helpful to me. We need to encourage Andrea to keep up the good work." Keith Alker, London, England.
"Well what can I say... the (Li Tianji) book is awesome. It is the best Xingyi book I have yet to find." Edward Gomersall, United Kingdom.
"I must say that (Li Tianji) is an excellent work. I am reading page by page, delighted at your dedication in translating the old documents on Xingyiquan. Your book is a must for every Xingyiquan student in the world. I give it a 10 out of 10." Felipe Bido, Dominican Republic.
"I really like (the Jiang Rongqiao book). I recently got a copy of Crandall's translation but I like the layout of yours better as well as your informative footnotes. Great book and I look forward to receiving the other one." Alfred Westlake, Colorado.
"I very much enjoyed your translation of Li Tianji's book on Xingyi Quan, which is the flavour of XY taught by my teacher. Find myself referring constantly to the book!" Philip Lindskog, Sweden
Di Guoyong videos and translation companion
"Master Di Guoyong's VCD's are excellent resources for the thoughtful practitioner. His mastery is immediately evident and his energetic instruction is inspiring. His deliberate teaching method does more than unfurl the essentials of Xingyi; it shows you how to learn and then how to teach. Andrea Falk's translation and clever presentation makes this the finest Xingyi tutorial series I've seen. Altogether fantastic! Thanks, Andrea." James Weston, NC
"I want to commend you for an excellent job in providing a very easily understood, descriptive translation of Master Di Gouyong's Xingyi. Your attention to detail is most helpful in understanding the finer points of this art. I can see why you have said that this is one of the most comprehensive video series on Xingyi! It is especially helpful to have the book formatted in such a way as to provide the reader with a translation of Master Di's instruction with the running time, name of the posture and any other pertinent information necessary to properly performing the routine to be found in the adjoining margin. This is an excellent piece of work. And you are to be commended for doing such an excellent job on what is obviously a difficult and time consuming project." William Johnson, Colorado.
"Having had a quick look at the (Di Guoyong Video) translation, I think you are a STAR!!! It works as a book in its own right even without the VCDs. I say this in all sincerity because I spent an hour with the book before I could get to see a disc. I also see what you mean about Di Guoyong being a 'pure teacher'. The VCDs and book together are amazing. "Keith Alker, England
Li Jingru video translation companion
"I wish to congratulate and thank you for the primo work you did for Liu's bagua companion. Wonderfully executed!" Rich Mooney, USA
"Thank you thank you thank you thank you for the Liu Jingru video companion book. Oh my God what a great resource. I have all of the VCDs and I knew his instruction was better than any other video series I have seen, and I was watching the silk-reeling and figuring out based on my background in Chen tai chi, but man, this book is so valuable." Ken Gullette, IL.
Coaching Wushu
"I just wanted to thank you very much for uploading your "Coaching Wushu" manual and also your "Development of a Wushu Athlete"!! They are very informative!! I am not a coach, but I am a student and I started reading through your work this morning and found it to be very informative and helpful!!! Thank you so much for your hard work in writing these! I do hope that you do eventually get the chance to edit the manual and publish it!! You are right, there isn't one out there (other than yours!) and there is a need for one. Thank you!!!" Jennifer Mercer