But as Australia’s best performed rookie, the 25-year-old white belt now faces the greatest test of her fledgling career.

Potter leaves for the United States this week, confidence high after claiming the NSW and Pan Pacific titles on her way to qualifying for the biggest stage.

“It’s a bit crazy, going to compete on the world stage,” she said. 

“I’m a pretty competitive person, I’d been doing a fair bit of boxing and muay thai, so once I tried this, I was hooked.

“I’ve picked it up pretty quickly, but it’s a real unknown. You get to know some of the fighters in the competitions I’ve been doing, but this is another level.

“I’ll just take what I’ve learned so far and hopefully be able to do well.”

Potter trains at least 10-15 hours per week at the Gracie Barra gym in Campbelltown under black belt instructor Clint Burns. 

"I feel like I’m getting smashed at training sometimes,” she said. 

“Just getting the chance to train against the men and against higher belts. But it’s been great for my development and to go into competition knowing I can handle stronger bodies and people who move differently.”

Competing in the 71kg heavyweight division, Potter’s contests last five minutes as a white belt, with black belt battles are 10 minutes long. 

Scoring involves earning points for takedowns, throws and sweeps, getting through an opponents guard, as well as a number of technical holds.

Potter already has her sights set on graduating through the ranks after the world titles.

“Everyone aims to get a blue belt, so that’s a goal for sure,” she said. 

“It’s all happened pretty quickly, but it’s something I really love doing, so I’ll just see how far it takes me.”

WORLD BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU CHAMPIONSHIPS

May 30-June 3

Walter Pyramid, Longbeach, California, USA