Maybe the lesson is exactly the opposite: that Blaze is NOT a little kitten anymore, but is getting adult now and not child-like submissive anymore. The rowdy age, also known as puberty (sexually most cats go through puberty earlier, I'm talking about getting mentally adult).
Cats hate, hate hate it when you blow into their face. That's exactly why you do it if he should stop doing something (punishment).
But for cats, it's not punishment, but a serious threat. For Blaze, you are hissing at him and therefore threatening him.
Anyway, I hope it'll heal up quickly.
BTW, my cat never liked being picked up. She tolerated it for a moment, but then wriggled about to get down again. My sister-in-law's cat tolerates being hauled around even by clumsy kid's hands. Always makes me think poor kitty.