Mai offensive strategy from up close:
There is a pretty proficient method of continuing offense with Mai: Notice that Mai is plus frames on her j2C (in front) and 0 frames on block from EX air qcb+P while cr.C comes out quickly and whiff cancels. Basically, you're like a loop in a way. cr.C, d~charge~uf+P, j2B, air qcb+A (or EX), then cr.C or cr.D into d~charge~uf+P again. cr.D WILL cancel into special moves... cr.D into d~charge~uf+P, j2B for low overhead. Relatively safe on block if you use j2B as early as possible during d~charge~uf+P. As you mix the opponent up this way, you can also try visually confirming into a combo or run-up throws.
Always remember that Mai's j2B will hit the opponent overhead and that it is plus frames at lower heights.
Air qcb+A is safe if you aim towards the opponents legs. EX air qcb+P is safe altogether (at 0 frames on block).
cr.C comes out very quickly. You can also resort to her cr.B or st.A for confirming into a combo.
You can also whiff cancel her cr.D into her special moves.
Try to maintain a degree of discretion while applying the offense. Because, Mai has quite a few moves that are, in fact, plus frames or neutral on block. Don't be afraid to go for mix ups.
The player also needs to remember that they don't always have to play a certain way either. If something is not working, try something else. Be creative. A intermediate player is not going to fall for generic tricks, unless they are ignorant of the match up (i.e. bad at the game) altogether. Play keep away or passive aggressively when the situation calls for it, so that you can win. Mai is very good at that sort of thing, even supporting the concept of "Yomi", and/or dealing with players who are desperately aggressive or like to auto-pilot too much.
#ShiranuiNinja. (^ That's what ninja's do).