Overall, I don't see a great deal of flaws with TKD as a martial art either as a systematized style or in the way that it is practiced. TKD has the reputation that it does due to it being the most widely practiced martial art in the world. And there are problems with it, to be sure, but what it has done is exposed martial arts training to more people than at any other time in the past. And while there are definite issues with the way it is practiced and taught from a fighter's perspective, we must remember that not everyone that trains TKD wants to be a fighter. Some just want some exercise, some want a way of releasing stress after a hard day on the job. Some want to be able to compete in a combative sport and still be able to go back to work on monday morning.
Personally, I would not practice in a school that over emphasized forms practice, sport style sparring or unrealistic self defense techniques. But all of these elements reach a much wider number of people than simple combative training would. And those people who start in a school like that who want more from their training will seek out those who can give them what they want.
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