~Because I came into my training much later in life than traditional Padawan, Master Jinn was less inclined to introduce me to the lightsaber for many years. He explained it later that--being older--I'd have more natural fear of such a thing and many more associations attached to it then a young child and would therefore benefit from a solid grounding in the pure energy training/control of the Force before taking up the weapon. I therefore became very proficient with using my mind and open hands to channel and project the Force, with allowing my physical body to give itself over to those swirling patterns of the Living Force that moved it appropriately in any given situation. Since I did not 'grow up' wielding a lightsaber as an extension of myself, I was more awkward at the beginning; I understand now that Master Jinn had prepared me just fine for the moment, that the 'awkwardness' was my subconscious rebellion toward him at having been denied the weapon in the first place, having it foisted on me now that I preferred moving without one, at the seeming step backward in my training to now incorrporate this 'other thing'. Once I got past my inner stubborness, I knew that my master had laid all the foundation I needed and had only to open myself with the lightsaber in hand to all those same patterns. To know that it was not 'I' moving the lightsaber anymore than it had been 'I' moving without it. I am always set to laughing by my ability, after so many years in my practice, to get in my own way~

Padawan of the Living Force,
Aiki Jorin-ne'