[ She isn't quite sure to the reasoning for his flinch. What was said sounded rather... Normal to her? ]

That's sort of how I was, and a lot of people are, when arriving. If you want to learn, the Blades course is very introductory. In fact, the grip from gardening tools may help. Obviously these will be heavier, and take more to manage, but it's something to build from. If anything, Blades is a class to get through for the basic understanding. Regardless of your own skill, you'll be familiar with what to expect when it's on the other side of an encounter.

[ Though, perhaps working on that in any capacity was against what people wanted. ]

It's possible to avoid all combat as well. You don't have to take a full course load.