I have seen people learn on that style of plane when they had a buddy cord and a good flight instructor. If you are able, I would advise you to join a R C flying club near you and have one of the instructors 'teach' you how to fly first (using the club trainer plane).
Or you could get a 'coroplast' style airplane to learn with and use the engine and radio that you already have. The cost would minimal and the plane should last for many bad landings with out major damage.

Paul