Who’s the Judge?

The Great Debaters (2007) is a true story based on the 1935 Wiley College (a historically black college) debate team where they ultimately compete and win against Harvard.

Throughout the movie, the Coach played by Denzel Washington asks the debate team, “Who’s the judge” to which the debate team responds:

Coach: Who’s the judge?

Debate Team: The judge is God.

Coach: Why is it God?

Debate Team: Because he decides who wins or loses, not my opponent.

Coach: Who’s your opponent?

Debate Team: He does not exist.

Coach: Why does he not exist?

Debate Team: Because he is merely a dissenting voice to the truth that I speak.

Coach: Speak the truth.

This scene reminds me of Bruce Lee famous “I Do Not Hit” speech in Enter the Dragon.

Teacher: What is the highest technique you hope to achieve?

Bruce Lee: To have no technique.

Teacher: Very good, what are your thoughts when facing an opponent?

Bruce Lee: There is no opponent.

Teacher: Then why is that?

Bruce Lee: Because the word I, does not exist.

Teacher: So, continue.

Bruce Lee: A good fight, should be, like a small play, but played seriously. A good martial artist, does not become tense, but ready. Not thinking yet, not dreaming . Ready for whatever may come. When the opponent expand I contract, when he contracts I expand. When there is an opportunity, I do not hit, it hits all by itself.