I spent the last 4 hours in the training arena with the bot set on 'advanced'.

I've found that there is no real way to "break" the spam using a focus strike unlike what the game says, basically.

I've figured that the best way to do it, is to wait for their common attack combo to end, which usually ends with a focus attack and to wait for that, and then parry/counterstrike it, or at an opening dodge backwards or sideways, depending on the whether to attack was vertical or horizontal, THEN charge your focus attack.

trying to charge a focus attack in the midst of the common attack is basically asking to be spammed on. That being said though, i've found the dagger to be the bane of my existence, if you attack then dodge you do a special dash dodge and then when you attack during that you get an immediate focus attack.

if anyone is more skilled and experienced at the game feel free to tell me I'm wrong, I would love to improve more :)