Master Barker,
I don't recall saying that. Let me be more specific. Hapkido has some 2,000 base techniques. Consider if you will that the Nei Kung in Hapkido is more advance in Hapkido, which one would expect in an internal art, consider also that each of those 2,000 techniques can have a minimum of 4 or 5 variations, not including weapons techniques. Now consider that reversals are taught as a standard part of the curriculum. You are now well above 10,000 techniques. Hapkido has every strike, and some that do not appear, that TKD/TSD does. I stand by my original remark: "Personally, I think that Hapkido has plenty to learn without adding the study of forms." This is not any kind of reflection on any other art. Its my observation.
Am I saying one is superior? No. TSD/TKD and other pugilisitc arts tend to use the Hyung method of training. Hapkido uses the Sul method. They are different approaches. to be honest, with out a partner, it is difficult to practice basic Hapkido. Or even some of the more esoteric arts such as pobaksul.
Remember too that Hwang Kee did not want grappling added. (Hwan Kee, 1975) Saying that, grappling had no place in TangSooDo. He published this in his white book. My personal feeling is that I enjoy Hapkido more than I do TangSooDo. I also believe that each person must use the tools appropriate to their intrinsic matri in order to better realize the "Do". In the end, this is what we all seek. I would never claim one is better than another, just different. Forms training is great for TSD/TKD/Karate, but in my mind worthless in Hapkido. In the words of Grandmaster Yoon, Presidential Bodyguard, and former KHF Demo team captain: "One cannot do Hapkido by taking notes or doing forms. The only was is to Hapkido itself."
I believe in the JJK Hapkido mantra... JJK is not so much a style as it is a mindset. I also cannot be held responsible for my feelings. Hapkido speaks to me. Pugilistic arts do not any longer, as my feeling is that they are incomplete. The art must become an artless art growng from the unconsciousness. (Samurai Maxim).
Of course these are my opinions.
:soapbox:
(lol)