hey so i noticed the directional controls in this game are really hard to use sometimes because to jump, you have to use the directional buttons but to walk sidetoside/upanddown you have to use the stick

is there anyway to change this or how have you been playing to use both techniques at once easily?

I mostly stick to the dpad. Find myself needing to jump more than I do dodging, though I'll quickly switch back and forth to set up combos and dodge projectiles. Just have to practice and see what best control scheme suits you.