any blacksmiths on the line?

Not sure where in Michigan you are, but you might want to check this out: North Woods Forge llc

It doesn't look like they have any classes scheduled right now, but it might be worth watching for. To me, there's nothing like hands on instruction! They had one of the local news reporters learning, and I don't think she wayed over 100 lbs.
About 2,5 hours north to north east from me

He has had one session with a blacksmith in Frankenmuth, where he made a knife

He will be back there in May to make a sword