If you intend to compete in KCBS then I strongly suggest that you take the KCBS CBJ class. If you intend to compete in NCBS competitions then I suggest that you go ahead and jump in and do it! The difference is HUGE!!! KCBS is very structured and the flavor profiles are pretty consistent throughout the USA, while NCBS isn't. Pick what organizational competition you wish to compete in and focus on that for cooking classes and judge training. There are other sanctioning organizations in North Carolina besides KCBS and the North Carolina Barbecue Society that may hold appeal for you as well - North Carolina Pork Council, Carolina Barbecue League, Southern Barbecue Network and the Memphis Barbecue Network (actually the MBN doesn't currently hold a contest in NC but has in the past) all sanction contests in NC. Each organization has differing methods of cooking (some allowing LP gas), vastly differing judging criteria, and differing meats to turn in. Once you decide on what organization you want to compete in then learn all that you can about them and jump in!