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The American Kenpo forms have a very purposeful and logical progression. They begin with simple and more common concepts and maneuvers and advance to more complex and difficult maneuvers and concepts. Focal point and weapon availability is a good example of this progression in complexity.

 

In the case related to this question, all previous forms start with their attention focused to the front, thus leaving all four (4) potential weapons available for use. With Form Five, one major theme of the form is being out of position. One of the best ways to demonstrate being out of position is for the potential attack to come from an off-angle (e.g. not from straight ahead), in this case the flank. This not only naturally changes the focal point to the flank, but simultaneously demonstrates limited weapon availability and how one might need to deal with it.

 

In other words, an attack from the flank (and from the opening horse stance) eliminates the availability of the rear weapons, thus necessitating the need for a foot maneuver (along with a hand maneuver) to make the rear weapons available for use. This opening scenario not only increases the progression in complexity within the forms as a whole, but also perfectly fits into the major themes of Form Five.