Self taught.

Started in the mid 80's at Camp Pendleton with a Gentle Lady thrown off a hill, it would soar forever as long as it stayed in front of the hill in the wind. Next was a 2 Meter Bird of Time. I tried glow with a white foam Cessna. It was heavy but flew quite well with the .35. Then I put the same engine on a foam Spitfire. It was under powered but I did fly it a few times. I had a few other planes while stationed there but it was more difficult to store planes, fuel, and the rest of the gear in a wall locker, than it was actually flying them.
I took nearly 20 years off until I found a beat up trainer in a friend's pole barn. I rebuilt it went to the local club last spring and I'm re-hooked all over again. I flew on the box one night, it all came back, and I soloed the next time out.

Granted, it wasn't easy at first but it came fast and the Gentle Lady had hundreds of successful flights before I built the Bird of Time. I think some people have a knack and it all flows together for them.
Some people have it, and some don't have it, and the some that don't never will. I've seen all three types at the field. My wife for instance, after several attempts, has absolutely no concept of what the airplane is doing or going to do when the sticks are moved.

I will admit though, by joining the club my RC knowledge has grown ten fold. The guys are helpful to anyone that shows up and it's amazing to see what you really don't know about the sport. It's also a great place to make friends which only adds to the fun.