where to start rest api testing

Hi,

I have done one or two test web-service (just being curious of what are those) using  soap-UI (free version) and apache J-meter  other than new to api testing.

our company started developing rest-service and I'm suppose to test and automate

where should I start with? what kind of facility provided ready -api's over open sources out there?

developers use Gradle as build tool how dose ready -api integrated with  Gradle

I'm quite good at smart bear testcomplete automation using jscript and currently started working with python

what competency should I focus to develop?

my main task would be functional test but would be extent to security and load..etc

any feed back is appreciated

 

probably not correct forum ...please guide