What do you want to get out of it is probably the biggest question for you. If it's to go out and have fun, then don't worry about classes. If you want to go out and try to recoup monies spent, then the class route is the way to go.
Personally, my recommendation is to cook in your backyard until you can do it blindfolded. When you can do that, take a class. the money spent at a class covers basically 2 contest entry fees (at least for my class/fundraiser) and I guarantee that you will have more knowledge coming out of a comp cooking class than what you would gain by cooking in 2 contests. There is no guarantee that cooking 2 contests would not confuse you more anyway... Let's not forget that cooking a contest, part of the fear is what to expect. You gain that as well from a cooking class. You get timelines and flavor profiles. What wins at contests by some of the top comp BBQ teams out there. If by chance you hit a nice call at a contest, you can cover that cost of the class in one contest.
another route to go is by offering to wash dishes or be a runner for a team at a contest. Hook up with the guys from the FBA and they could probably set you up as well.
So in a nutshell, you have to figure out where you want to go. A comp cooking class probably takes 2-3 years off of a learning curve for a new cook.
good luck.
Scottie
cancersuckschicago.com