Getting up

[Parasurama]

I have not seen a thread like this, but please give me link if it has already been done.
As I understand it, the hard knockdown is a desired state if you are going to knock someone down since it limits the techroll move. Why is the tech roll move so good, are there any weaknesses to it? I would like to understand it for my okizame and also for when I am knocked down. Is just standing up a good idea ever? I usually delay wake up or wake up armor. How do you guys get up, and also how do you attack a person after knocking them down, midscreen and in the corner?
I play with Liu Kang, Kung Jin, Predator and still early Lao.

 

[Sage Leviathan]

Are hard knockdowns better than soft knockdowns?
Sometimes yes. Sometimes it comes at the cost of damage. Take Takeda for example. Ending combos in his Flurry punches means less damage but grants a hard knockdown. Ending with Spear means more damage and a soft knockdown, but it's not the end of the world.

Pros and cons of tech-rolling?
It allows you to get up with less recovery and create space between you and the opponent, but it also pushes you closer to the corner. Certain characters can also pursue your tech roll with advancing normals and jump attacks, or attack with projectiles.

Is it a good idea to ever just get up without waking up or delaying a wake-up?
Yes. If you read that your opponent is so cautious of you waking up, then by all means, just get up and throw or press buttons.

How to attack someone after knocking them down?
It's all about pursuit and timing. Be careful about knocking the opponent down and then just pressing the offensive. They might delay their wake-up, which would cause your string to whiff and possibly lead to you being punished.

tl;dr: Above all, be patient. Good things come to those who wait. Choose carefully if you'd rather have damage or space.