在不同的曆史時期，人們對武術的需求和認識也不盡相同。這是因為武術在發展的過程中，不但表現出它的曆史延續性、階段性，也會由於人們認識水平的限製表現出不穩定性。從曆史與邏輯相統一的觀點來看，武術的概念應該是一個不斷發展和動態的變化過程。武術的內容、形式和價值功能的不斷變化，以及不同的社會環境和認知水平差異等因素的存在，使得人們在對武術的概念定義時也就出現了不同的表述。
當前，普遍界定武術的概念為：“武術是以技擊動作為主要內容，以套路、格鬥和功法練習為活動形式，注重內外兼修的中國傳統體育項目”。
During different times throughout history, people have different needs and perceptions about Wushu, which is it that because Wushu's development shows historical continuity and step change,and instability due to people's limited perception capacity.From the combined perspective of history and logic, Wushu's concept is a process of constant development and dynamic change.The sabstance, form and function of Wushu never stop developing.Due to the difference of social environment and of people's cognitive ability, the concept of Wushu is seen in various descriptions.
Nowadays，Wushu is generally defined as “a tradition Chinese sport focusing on the cultivation of physical health and spiritual power,and with combating movements as the main contents, and with Taolu, Gedou and Gongfa as the form of practice ”.