I slow escape using analog stick instead of dpad. Much easier imo. Also I rotate in full circle motion to slow escape than press the guard button. Works great for me.
Ah, I think the trick is pressing and holding down block before hitting the directions. Unless you're using a parry character, I've heard that happens to them too.
Just a video showing how I SE (stagger escape) in this game. It's sloppy but it works I guess? Thoughts/comments? I know the video is vertical lmao dont judge.