THE NORTH RIDING PROJECT

Aldo Nadi was a member of the 1920 Italian Olympic team, and would later move to the U.S. and coach Hollywood stars like Douglas Fairbanks and Errol Flynn, and be called the greatest swordsman who ever lived by Time magazine.  He served in the Italian cavalry in World War I; he was originally in the infantry, but found that the company, “comprised mostly of peasants, was unbearable.” “I loathe peasants,” he went on.  “Their job and work may be noble and inspiring and all that, but I just hate their dirt, ignorance and prejudice.”  Nadi’s romantic exploits began when he visited a brothel at the age of fourteen, and he often engaged in duels. “When provoked, the fencer – assuming that the centuries-old traditions of his business have properly permeated his mind and heart – does not and must not argue,” said Nadi. “Although later, he may argue.”

via Bechtel/SI