‘Wǔshù’ (武术) literally means ‘martial skill’ or ‘military art’: 武 (wǔ) refers to martial, military, or combat-related matters, while 术 (shù) means ‘art’, ‘technique’, or ‘method’. Together, they denote the broad tradition of Chinese martial arts — including styles like Shaolin, Tai Chi, and Wushu — emphasizing physical training, discipline, self-defense, and philosophical principles such as balance and respect.

The term is used both historically (referring to ancient battlefield techniques) and in modern contexts (as a sport, fitness practice, or cultural performance). Unlike the more narrowly competitive term ‘Wushu’ (often used internationally for standardized sport routines), 武术 carries deeper cultural weight and encompasses both practical fighting systems and holistic self-cultivation practices. It appears frequently in discussions about health, tradition, physical education, and Chinese identity.