all right Mr's Stocktraders peoples.. (I know that's a Fukked up phrasing)

what's the best way for avg joe with above avg intelligence/comprehension skills to become less ignorant on the topic and understandings of stocks/bonds/hedges/etc? I have a couple books but I'm inconsistent in reading them due to time constraints that will soon, hopefully, be lifted.

I will likely retire soon and could then prettty much study/trade full time along with my full time martial arts and BB regimen. I am trying to think of things to do in retirement beside just work out and train in the various arts. I've been considering a starrtup, a franchise, and several other options available to me but I have always had at least a passing interest in learning more about this subject but didn't really know where to start and all the get rich quick with stocks schemes have me leary of most "training" programs.