Hammers can be annoying, but I don't find anything wrong with them. Use a steel shield if you don't already, the weight will help to avoid crush-through. Otherwise, fight smarter. Don't go up against 3 on 1 situations where a maul can jump out and one shot you. It's a team game, and unless you're lucky or skilled, you're going to get killed when the odds are against you.
Honestly, it's slow, it's short. Dodge it, spam them, or kick when they initially approach you.