So monk has a rotation that's more fluid than other jobs, so that said a rundown of the skills and how they work might be worth starting from.

Monk's skills aren't tied to a strict 1-2-3 rotation but instead all your core moves are locked behind what "form" you're in.

In the first form you can either use Bootshine or Dragon Kick. These skills you want to alternate every other time you're in that stance as Dragon Kick gives you the Leaden Fist buff that increases the potency of your next Bootshine.

In the second form, you can either use Twin Snakes or True Strike. True Strike has a higher base potency while Twin Snakes applies a buff that increases the damage all your skills do by 10%. Because of the duration of the Twin Snakes buff being relatively short, you'll alternate between these two every other time you're in the second form.

In the third, you'll be able to use Demolish or Snap Punch. Demolish is the one that applies a DoT while Snap Punch has a higher use potency not counting the DoT. The DoT time on Demolish is long enough that you'll not have to refresh it until every third time you're in this form.

So a basic rotation would look something like Dragon Kick > Twin Snakes > Demolish > Bootshine > True Strike > Snap Punch > Dragon Kick > Twin Snakes > Snap Punch > Bootshine > True Strike > Demolish > Dragon Kick > Twin Snakes > Snap Punch with correct position changes as needed. This type of rotation minimizes the need to move between skills.

Fists of Fire making you feel weaker is probably jsut your perception. Being in the stance increases your damage by 10% and will be your sole stance until you unlock Riddle of Wind at level 76.

The level 52 ability I think you're asking about, Form Shift? It changes what form you're in. This enables you to start a pull by applying your DoT or getting your Twin Snakes buff before the DoT. Additionally hitting the button between pulls refreshes the timer of your Greased Lightning buff, which is vital to keeping up at all times, since dropping Greased Lightning means you're taking a 30% damage reduction.

Hope this answered your questions, sorry if I misinterpreted what you were asking.