All of the classes we currently offer require no previous experience, including our Basic Forging Course.  In fact, a majority of students who take our Basic Forging Course have had no prior forging experience.

For classes which cover hands on instruction of making other parts of the sword (Habaki Course) or certain techniques for blade refinement (Kajioshi Course), students are required to bring a suitable blade to work on or to make a habaki for.  In the case of our Koshirae Course, students must have a blade with a finished well-fitted habaki to make the koshirae for.  For the Tsuka-maki Course, students must bring a sword handle, tsuka, with the same-kawa already inlaid for wrapped.

Students should wear work clothes that can be stained or damaged, with no synthetic fibers (cotton is best), and closed toe shoes. Safety glasses are available for use here at Dragonfly Forge, but students can bring their own if they would like.

Do I have to find my own accommodations? Do you have any suggestions?

We here at Dragonfly Forge are not able to provide accommodations for our students. Many options are available, however, in the nearby towns of Coquille and Bandon, both of which are 20 minutes away. More possibilities are also available in the city of Coos Bay, 30 minutes away.

The town of Coquille is a sleepy little logging town slightly inland in the Coquille river valley. For accommodations there is only really one option, the Mrytle Lane Motel, which offers very reasonable rates, and has had nothing but good reviews from our students who have stayed there.

The town of Bandon is located at on the southern Oregon coast at the mouth of the Coquille River. The coastline offers wonderful scenic beaches and Bandon’s small “Historic Old Town” gives visitors a chance to stroll and shop. Bandon has also become known worldwide for its first-class golf experience, thanks to the famous Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. A list of accommodations in Bandon can be found here.

Other options for your accommodations during your visit to Tomboyama Nihonto Tanren Dojo can be found in Coos Bay. Coos Bay and its connected twin city of North Bend, form the largest city in the area. Students looking for a “larger” city can search for hotels there, but students who would prefer being 10-15 minutes closer to the school usually choose something in Coquille or Bandon.

What about campgrounds that are nearby the school?

Bullard’s Beach State Park is the campground closest to our school.  The beautiful park is located on the north side of the mouth of the Coquille River, across the river from the town of Bandon.  It is about 8 miles away from the dojo. Bullard’s Beach also offers yurts for reasonable rates, and the yurts are quite nice.  The park offers several different services, visit the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department’s Bullard’s Beach web page for more information and to make reservations online.

What is the airport nearest the dojo

Students who wish to fly to Tomboyama Nihonto Tanren Dojo can use the nearby Southwest Oregon Regional Airport, airport code OTH, located in North Bend. The Southwest Oregon Regional Airport has multiple daily flights to/from Portland, OR and San Francisco, CA, serviced by United Airlines. Students can book flights online at www.United.com.

What is the school’s address?

Dragonfly Forge
88321 North Bank Lane.
Coquille, OR 97423

We can also be contacted by telephone at: (541) 396-3605

How do I get to Dragonfly Forge?

From Coquille: Take Highway 42 heading West towards Coos Bay, turn left onto North Bank Lane. Dragonfly Forge is located between mile markers 7 and 8. Our driveway is marked with the sign that says “Japanese Swordsmith”. Follow the steep driveway to the top.

From Bandon: Take Highway 101 heading North, immediately after crossing the Coquille River turn right onto North Bank Lane. Dragonfly Forge is located between mile markers 7 and 8. Our driveway is marked with the sign that says “Japanese Swordsmith”, however this sign is difficult to see when coming from Bandon, so students should be on the look out for a large house with a white fenced field and pond with horses and a stable on the left; our driveway is around the next corner, also on the left. Follow the steep driveway to the top.

From Coos Bay/North Bend: Take Highway 101 heading South. Take Highway 42 heading towards Coquille/Roseburg. Turn right onto North Bank Lane. Dragonfly Forge is located between mile markers 7 and 8. Our driveway is marked with the sign that says “Japanese Swordsmith”. Follow the steep driveway to the top.

'Japanese Swordsmith'

Note to students: The half mile driveway up the hill on which Dragonfly Forge is perched can be a little disconcerting to those unfamiliar with country roads.  If you would like to call us at (541) 396-3605 to make arrangements for you to park safely and we can shuttle you up the driveway.

When does class begin and end?

All of our classes run from 9 AM to 5 PM on the dates of the session. We will break for lunch, which is provided.

What time should I show up for class?
Our classes run from 9am to 5pm for the dates of the course. We will break for and provide lunch.

Is prior experience in in a forge necessary before attending your courses?

No. We have have many students without any experience forging attend our classes and be very successful.

Where is the dojo located?

The dojo also serves as our forge and workshop and is located at:

88321 North Bank Ln.
Coquille, Oregon 97423

This is between the small towns of Coquille and Bandon.

Are accommodations available at Dragonfly Forge?

We do not have rooms for students at Dragonfly Forge. Students will have to find their own accommodations in one of the neighboring towns.

The town of Coquille is a quiet logging town with simple, affordable

Bandon is also a small town, but much more tourist oriented with many more hotels and restaurants available.

Coos Bay/North Bend is the largest city in the region and is only 30 minutes away from the dojo. Coos Bay is also the home of our local regional airport.

What should students bring to our courses?

Students should bring their own safety glass and sturdy shoes or boots. If students intend to use gloves in the forge, those should be brought as well. Students should wear “work” clothes, and not wear synthetic fibers (cotton is best). Students dressed for summer should bring a sweater or wind jacket, as the evenings can still be chilly even in the summer.

If I bring my family, is there anything for them to do nearby?

The scenic southern Oregon coast offers an unspoiled coastal experience for the nature-loving visitor. Southern Oregon’s public beaches are easily accessible and great for relaxation, windsurfing, flying kites, or just a peaceful walk in the sand. We have world class sporting opportunities, from fishing to the Oregon dunes.

Seafood lovers will enjoy the fresh seafood of the local restaurants. Local art galleries display works by the area’s many artists.

The world renown golf resort Bandon Dunes has brings golfers from around the world.

What books do you recommend as introductory reading on Japanese sword making?

We highly recommend The Craft of the Japanese Sword by Leon Kapp, Hiroko Kapp, and Yoshindo Yoshihara, for an introduction on Japanese swords.

Those interested in polishing should read The Art of Japanese Sword Polishing by Setsuo Takaiwa, Yoshindo Yoshihara, Leon Kapp, and Hiroko Kapp.