The way I started was just get dirty provided you have plenty saw experience. Carving is alot about using a saw in a way it was never intended. Lots of tip work and you better know the point where it will kick. The hardest thing I had to overcome was learning it was "just a piece of firewood", meaning if you screw up it can still heat the house. Once I got over the fear of screwing up, it started to flow and I can see progress everytime I fire up the saw. I might not be an expert yet, but those are the hardest leasons I've learned so far. Start the way Twoclones suggested (he is the pro) and just keep getting dirty.