from one noob to another, trackstands are just as easy as you make em. the idea of trackstands are hard, but actually doing it is all state of mind, practice at a little incline.

as for having a brake, get one, they are awesome. i wanted to be cool and not have a brake, but for the good of myself and many others, the brake was a gracious gift. I dont wanna do the brake vs. brakeless argument, but for someone who is not good at skidding or anything like that, have a brake, your knees will love you in 25+ years.