One point of the counter system is so new comers feel like they are getting rewarded. I don't think they'll take that away.
Maybe have extremely strike timing for it, or limit it it's usage to only, say holds from high and low jabs or fast mids.
Maybe you can only use it once or twice per round and it also works on throws but increase counter damage overall. Have it so you absorb some damage but you also damage back (limits it's usage to either rhythem breaking or end game usage where the user has the health advantage). Really I'm just thinking of Burst Impacts from Guilty Gear.
Maybe have extremely strike timing for it, or limit it it's usage to only, say holds from high and low jabs or fast mids.
Maybe you can only use it once or twice per round and it also works on throws but increase counter damage overall. Have it so you absorb some damage but you also damage back (limits it's usage to either rhythem breaking or end game usage where the user has the health advantage). Really I'm just thinking of Burst Impacts from Guilty Gear.