My friend uses T. Hawk and he's just discovered a little combo by which he charges his focus attack when I'm down, then when it connects instantly dashes forward and grapples. I'm sure this is a frequent move, but is there a counter for it? Other than "don't get knocked down?" I tend to use Guy or Cody.

Wake-up focus attack you can do anything to basically. perform a wake-up reversal, throw, jump out (if they started it late).

I think just hit him with an EX attack.  Cody's can have a slow wakeup attack, but I think Guy's EX tatsu move is quick enough to counter the focus attack.  If you think you can't reach him with an attack, just jump out hehe!  Or do a quick stand up so that you can jump out immediately before he completely charge the focus.  If you think he won't be able to completely charge the focus attack, just block it. :)

Either wake up with an armor breaking attack, tech up and grab him, or just jump away. 
The latter still has a tendency of getting you hit with the FA, but at the very least you won't be crumpled and open for a grapple.

you can also do a well-timed backdash, since those are invulnerable.

Is focus charging a lot quicker now? From playing a lot of local with my friend who relies on it a lot, it seems like it crumples a lot faster than it used to.

" Is focus charging a lot quicker now? From playing a lot of local with my friend who relies on it a lot, it seems like it crumples a lot faster than it used to. "

If I were in your position, I'd just resort to an EX attack.

Try getting up with an EX Zonk with Cody. If it doesn't hit, it will at least get you out of harm's way.

Thanks all! Much obliged. Hopefully I will surprise my friend and score a couple of wins.

Backdash

EX SRK.