I have a little different take on how to learn the "ropes" so to speak.
I started climbing by going out with an ex military guy who was absolutaly insane about safety. I really got into climbing for about five years. I started going to the gym to get stronger.
Some of the most dangerous things I saw was guys that started in the gym and then made the jump to the outdoors. It's a different world. Kind of like web wheeling vs. real wheeling.
My suggestion for anybody looking to get into the sport is to go to your local REI, climbing gear supply shop, and try to hook up with some guys that climb outdoors. Most (not all) are more than willing to teach a new person. You will learn the important stuff like how to set your anchors, read a wall, knots, etc.
You really haven't lived until you lead a multi-pitch climb in perfect weather. There's nothing like it.
The gym has it's place. I was asked to do competitions but never did. I judged a lot of them in Tempe but never participated myself. It would have tainted it for me.
The nice thing about climbing is it can be age, gender, and ability independant. There's something for everybody.