Mabinogi best for unarmed, counterattack or defense?

alright i've made a character who i'm only going to attack with my fists(unarmed) with no weapons. what would be better for me to use, counter or defense? i think i heard that when you counter, your enemies will still attack before you and they charge at you fast so you cant bring up counter again in time is this true? right now i'm thinking defense because you can attack right after they enemy hits you but i want a veteran player's opinion. please give reasons for your answers thank you.