Detonator, I did it on my own. I had nobody lead me by the hand through the process. Actually, kind of funny, but what got me interested in futures in the first place was a mailing I received from Ken Roberts, selling his snake oil. After mulling it over for several weeks, I decided to spend the $199 for his course. He made making millions sound SO EASY!
Back in those days I was really struggling financially because I didn't have enough experience in my career to command much of a salary, I was married and had two young sons, plus we made a decision to have my wife stay home with the kids, regardless of the financial implications. I found some moonlighting jobs and managed to save $2000 to open a futures account with KR's recommended broker ($100 round turn commissions!).
To make a long story short, KR's students were supposed to call his "hot line" to get trade recommendations, and it wasn't long before I realized his analysis conflicated with mine on many markets. In fact, if I would have stuck with one of his recommendations, my stake would have been wiped in a single trade. Nonetheless, I still blew out my account and it didn't take long. But that was enough to start me down the wonderful road of trading. I determined to develop all the skills needed to participate and win. To me it was like the mother of all chess games.
It's an oddball kind of business. Be sure you have the psychological makeup to endure.