Due to the interest in the swordsmithing courses offered at the Tomboyama Nihonto Tanren Dojo, we are posting this list of frequently asked questions.

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.

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