Dark Jedi impossible to beat... I feel like my game is broken

[Broedinger's Cat]

So I've been working my way through this game, and the dark jedi seem impossible to beat compared to Jedi Outcast. Every single hit i get on them has some sort of force field animation (I think it's the shield) and no matter how many times I hit them they don't die. They only way I can kill them is by knocking them to the ground and playing the finishing animation. Is there something I'm not getting here?

Also, I don't understand how to level up abilities or block. How do those things work? Any answers will be very appreciated

Thanks for your help!

[Shwarts]

lol, are you using blue/fast stance?

[Broedinger's Cat]

no I switch to yellow but that doesn't help either

[Shwarts]

try force rage

[Broedinger's Cat]

I don't have that ability unlocked yet and I don't know how to