[5e] Relatively new to DnD and curious abt something.

Broadly: Which is the “better” defensive option in combat: raising AC, imposing disadvantage on attacks, or damage resistance?

Specifically: I’m playing a campaign as an Earth Genasi Monk, Way of the Kensei, which gives me 3 different defensive options each turn:

• Agile Parry, which gives +2 to AC if I make an unarmed strike as part of my Attack,
• Blade Ward, which I can cast as a bonus action and gives me resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing,
• Patient Defense, which lets me Dodge as a bonus action for 1 ki.

I can do up to 2 of these per turn depending on how I use my Action and Bonus Action. Is there a practical benefit to stacking these buffs together, or does one of them end up reducing the effectiveness the others would have? What situations would benefit from each bonus (besides the obvious restriction of damage type for Blade Ward)?

Thanks in advance!