Sheathing is your friend, you can sheathe after Sakura slashes and all kinds of stuff. You have counters, both while attacking and while sheathing. These counters build gauge if they land, so they're handy to learn. I hardly ever use the silkbind techniques other than Sakura Slash and later the kick that gives you Helm Splitter. The DLC is pretty far for you, but when you unlock skill swapping Longsword gets insane.

As far as general game flow, I started by focusing on exploration, getting to know the maps and routes to get spiribirds, fulfill optionals, and learn good movement skills. The maps have a certain flow to them that is fun to figure out. The buffs make the fight easier, and you won't run out of armor orbs if you keep those optionals going. Holding down the interact button summons your dog as a mount, which is very fast and combining the dog jump and leaping off its back, you can really get around without even needing bugs as much. Yes, you can drift the dog.