Defensive war, can't seem to beat 2 handed rage and other heavy offensive builds

[lamejake]

I just started the game a few weeks ago, and I am having a few troubles with my human war glad. Here is his strategy:

Start of Fight/Standby 6 Parry-Lunge 5
I Have Less Endurance 4 Tank 4
Opponent is Very Tired 8 Tank 5
I Have More Health 7 Slash 5
I Have Less Health 7 Tank 4

The opponent always seems to get those heavy red hits, even when I'm tanking. I have all medium armor, any idea why it's not working?

Edit: I seem to do better in pit fights than in arena, is my gear the problem? I also can't beat the last arena challenge in tier 1.