HELENA Valley wrestler Brett Humberston has claimed a silver medal in Greco-Roman wrestling after returning to martial arts through the sport about a year ago.

Humberston finished second after two matches at the recent United for Wrestling competition, where he faced one of the sport’s promising young wrestlers.

Humberston said the silver medal was an encouraging result.

“It was a good hard battle,” he said.

Having practised boxing, Muay Thai and mixed martial arts throughout his life, Humberston was first introduced to wrestling through his brother, who encouraged him to train under coach Jadranko Tesanovic.

Mr Tesanovic of Wolves Wrestling Club, known to his students as coach Adrian, described Humberston as a talented athlete and one to watch in future competitions.

“He is a Greco-Roman wrestler and is very dedicated,” he said.

“He is a role model for all Wolves wrestling club members.”

A former Yugoslavian Greco-Roman wrestling champion, Mr Tesanovic has also twice been recognised as community coach of the year.

After spending time away from martial arts, Humberston returned through wrestling with a new motivation and setting an example for his children.

He now travels from Helena Valley to Balcatta for training, bringing his children along to sessions.

Unlike freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling prohibits holds below the waist, placing greater emphasis on upper-body techniques and throws.

“It’s a lot more physical, I feel, and harder on the body,” Humberston said.

He said fatherhood had reduced the time available for himself, but sharing the sport with his children made the commitment worthwhile.

“It’s good me being able to set an example for my kids and get them into it,” he said.

“Doesn’t matter if you win or lose, just keep trying, trying and you keep improving and getting better.”

Humberston’s next goal is to prepare for the state titles, where he hopes to improve on his silver medal performance.

He said consistency, refining his technique and learning from competition experience would be key to his progress.

He also encouraged newcomers to try wrestling, describing the club’s atmosphere under its lead coaches as friendly and welcoming.

Reflecting on the lesson he most wanted to pass on to his children, Humberston said perseverance was crucial.

“Try something, stick to something and just never give up,” he said.