And I'd add from the competitors perspective, don't wait until you get training to get started shooting in competitions. The people you'll meet will be a great resource re: finding out what to do next or hearing first hand about various schools and certainly what your local area might have to offer you that would fit your needs.
And all you pay is the entry fee
I find lots of people are averse to getting started in competition because they feel they might be in over their head. As long as you are a safe shooter and comfortable with the basic skills, able to perform them
safely (loading, unloading, reloading, shooting on the move, clearing malfunctions, shooting one-handed, etc.) get out there and get started. Don't worry about winning or how fast you are, all anyone cares about is how safe you are. There will be people at the events to walk you through the specifics of the sports, don't sweat it.
Every day you wait is a day you will regret having waited once you start.
And there isn't anything about getting started in competition that would preclude you from pursuing your self defense training and the 'extra' cost that competition adds is negligable. All you need is a gun, magazines, holster and pouches. Same as you would for class. So why not get started?
- Gabe