Oh ya, another thing that will help you and probably one of the most important. LA - AKA - Light armor. I would suggest working on this the most if you want to become resistant to the NPC's and their hitting blows.
@Erinys: Yes I believe so, I don't think that much with the combat system has changed in a year. If I am not correct, I would hope someone would point it out. Those three stats do help regardless or how little or high you train them.