www.msf-usa.org - take at least the first class, and more if you can. Don't develop bad habits, trust me, they're really hard to break. And I'd better be reading about you buying a helmet very soon. Jackets and gloves are nice and necessary, but protect your noggin' first.
And here, in case you're really lazy - http://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?a=1388&q=259454