Keep practising and don't feel bad about not doing so well. For me the learning experience was fun as long as you can see where you went wrong and then see some improvement as you play. Being able to say "damn I failed that block", or "overextended", "wrong attack direction", "didn't hold the block until it hit", "got feinted and missed a block", "wasn't aware of players around me", "didn't retreat when outnumbered", "tried to solo the wrong guy". If you can't really analyse where you go wrong it will lead to frustration, just need more experience really and you will start getting some kills. Go on the duel server for practice but try to duel people who aren't high on the scoreboard. You will get better with the actual mechanics in duel but need to play battle to get better at playing that. 1 point of athletics is worth much more than the 2 hp btw, especially when you have a shield
Get to lvl 30 with your complete build and then you will at least have a character on a similar level to others. Going hybrid means you are weaker while levelling than pure builds, and still not quite 100% as good as a dedicated build. Its all down to what you enjoy though, if you enjoy the playstyle then its good enough
When you get to 31 retire and sell your loom point. You should hopefully then have enough for a +3 heirloomed item with your 1mil you got. I would get gloves, body armour or a shield. You get like -10 body armour as a new player compared to people with heirlooms