IT'S HARD AS FUCK.
I haven't played in awhile so I don't really remember any tips. I did like three bosses then stopped playing for awhile.
Farm souls until you can afford better equipment and miracles. Make sure you pick up the 2 rings in 1-1. One of them lets you retain 75% of your health in soul form, the other makes it harder for enemies to detect you. Two of the best rings in the game right at the start. Play as the.. soldier class I think. Don't really remember the names. But that class or the thief or whatever are the easiest to start out with since they're the fastest. Learn to counter and parry. Don't die. If you beat the boss in the training zone you can run through the door and get some sexy items that make starting easier, but it's next-to-impossible.