The West Wollongong youngster will stand toe to toe with competitors much older than herself this weekend at the Australian Under 15 and Cadet Fencing Championships in Sydney.

She will compete in the women's under-15 and under-17 foil competitions against elite young fencers from around Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

The St Mary Star of the Sea student knows it will be tough, but she has put in the hard yards at training up to four times a week.

"I am working really hard and want to make the Australian squad as soon as I am eligible next year," she said.

"My long-term goal is to represent Australia internationally, so the opportunity to compete against the best fencers in Australia in Sydney is fantastic."

So far this year Courtney has won gold in every event she has entered in NSW and the ACT in her age group, while also gaining valuable experience in the under-15, under-17 and under-23 grades.

She took up fencing at the age of nine, attributing her interest in the sport to a love of fantasy books heavily laden with sword fights.

But wielding a sword isn't all flourish and imagination - it requires a high level of skill, stamina and speed to become a successful fencer.

"You need to be fast generally and quite well balanced so you can stay in the strange position you have to stay in," she said.

Courtney is a member of the Marconi Fencing Academy and the NSW fencing squad, and trains with former Italian Olympic coach Maestro Antonio Signorello.

Fencing is one of the world's oldest sports and has its origins in training for the duel. It is one of the very few sports to have been included in every modern Olympics.

The champs will be held at the PCYC Marrickville from July 5 to 10.