Training in Langes Messer since 2013, Pottebaum is an Instructor with Heartland HEMA Historical Fencing Club and an active HEMA competitor. His competitive highlights include taking Bronze in Pub-style Single Stick (CombatCon 2021), Gold in Mixed Steel Messer (Gesellen Fechten 2021), Gold in Mixed Singlestick (Badger State Games 2022), and Bronze in Mixed Steel Sabre (Tournament of the Knightly Arts 2023).

In his teaching, Pottebaum prioritizes theory, giving students the conceptual tools needed for real-time tactical decision-making, so they may choose the right technique for the right moment.