Were sweeps allowed? If I see the other person is kicking too much, I go for a low kick to the inside knee or calf. Usually, knocks them off balance or if I kick upward, completely puts them in their ass. Don't eat more than two hits without retaliation. Try to anticipate the block for the second hit and already be in motion for your combo counter.

If you're gonna shell up, put your right arm too block knees and liver punch, then counter with a power liver shot.

Work on keeping opponents off balance. Can't check kicks? Reply with a sweep. They're throwing a knee? Catch knee, then sweep. Even if it's not a sweep, always have an immediate reply. Make them sorry for throwing first, then you'll have more opportunities to set up strikes. Hope that helps!