I think the purpose of designing techniques like this is that it develops an automatic flow from the initial defense, then to one strike to the next without stopping, maintaining control of the confrontation until the assailant is down. At least that is the theory.
This particlular example went seriously awry. I have learned the Five Swords technique in Tracys, and it bears little resemblance to this one.
In designing a technique with this kind of flow, I think it is important to consider what you are trying to do to the opponent, and how he is likely to respond physically, assuming what you are doing to him is successful. First, this means that after about two to four strikes, the situation should be over, or else you have failed.
Second, each followup strike should be designed in such a way as it makes sense when we consider how the prior strike should have affected the attacker. In this particular, unfortunate example, the attacker just stood there like a stooge and didn't react at all. What compounded it and made it even worse, is that the defender finished his 47 blistering attacks with a roundhouse kick to the head!! In my opinion, this shows that he has given no thought to the reality of the situation. AFter the first 46 deathblows that he delivered, the attacker should have been on the ground. To even consider a high headkick at this point is just stupid, because the guy's head shouldn't even be there anymore.
In my opinion, this kind of thing, that people like to call "complexity", is really just "complicated", and even "rediculous". I think it is OK to train some techniques like this, designed to respond to a specific attack. But the technique needs to be simple, direct, and effective. Not complicated nonsense. A few basic ideas need to be incorporated, and they all need to be sound, and make sense.
First, a realistic reaction to the attack, including evasive movements, and blocking/deflecting movements.
Second, a decisive answer to the attack, consisting of 2-4 counterstrikes, or joint manipulations, or whatever is your flavor.
Third, understand that these techniques are really just ideas to work with. It is unlikely that they will ever work on the street exactly as taught. But they contain ideas that are good, and can be used alone, or mixed with ideas from other techniques. But ultimately, you need to be able to be spontaneous with what you do, and it has to be decisive. Getting too wrapped up in these sequences is a mistake.
