Agility, Endurance, Strength not lower than 5. Higher Agility and Strength is better. Perception 5 would also be cool. Guarding with a shield when they damage you, waiting until they lose stability and stop, attacking with Spring Attack, Careful Attack. Destroying armor of stronger opponents with Armor Crusher skill.
Before attempting serious walkthrough better farm achievements.
There's ToA wiki, it has tips for all mentioned, it has textual guide on main pqge.