Yeah... Guilty Gear has a lot of functions in the game, and there all useful during certain situations that are bound to happen in a middle of a match (like Instant Block, Green Shield, Roman Cancels, Alpha Counters, etc.).
But once you figure out how each one works, you get an idea of when to use it and the game becomes a lot easier to understand.
You can find me easily at Arcade UFO on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 1 - 8 pm (that's my work schedule over there), so I can help out whoever at that time.
Until then, I'll be checking out this topic in case of future Brawl tournaments turn up in Austin, once again ;o