i prefer just to make it doublespeed in the #code. now i added an animation that shows all 3 attacks.

The number of frames for action movements, especially quick movements like slashes, strikes, or the like, have much more impact when they are reduced in frame count.    For the whole slicing movement, try reducing it to 2 frames.

   You can still achieve smoothness with limited frames.   try it out and give us an update.

the knee that shoots out makes the pose called "Bow" in kungfu but in other direction, it had another name i cant remember now.

http://www.chaantzu.com/Photos/kwan/bow_stance_training.JPG

Errmm.. Not sure if I like it much. He does some pretty counter-intuitive, not to mention physically impossible things with the weapon and his limbs alike. The angle and trajectory of the weapon changes too drasticly near the end, and his knee just shoots out at the end for no reason at all...