在不同的历史时期，人们对武术的需求和认识也不尽相同。这是因为武术在发展的过程中，不但表现出它的历史延续性、阶段性，也会由于人们认识水平的限制表现出不稳定性。从历史与逻辑相统一的观点来看，武术的概念应该是一个不断发展和动态的变化过程。武术的内容、形式和价值功能的不断变化，以及不同的社会环境和认知水平差异等因素的存在，使得人们在对武术的概念定义时也就出现了不同的表述。
当前，普遍界定武术的概念为：“武术是以技击动作为主要内容，以套路、格斗和功法练习为活动形式，注重内外兼修的中国传统体育项目”。
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 ”.