Abstract: Using the methods of literature review and historical analysis and taking the analysis of the “two degradation” events of Wushu in modern times as its basis, this present paper elaborated the historic opportunity brought to Wushu by the contemporary society, and discussed the strategies that Wushu should take. It was concluded that firstly, under the influence of “the eastward transmission of western science” since modern times, the development of Wushu has been restricted to the frame of “sports”. As a result, many of its cultural characteristics and traditional quintessence have been lost; secondly, in sports system Wushu has also failed to maintain its status of equal dialogue with western sports as it had been during the “ native vs foreign sports contention” period, becoming subordinate to the latter and increasingly being marginalized in the whole sports system. The rise of China in contemporary society and the importance attached to traditional culture by the state bring unprecedented opportunities to the “development and prosperity of Wushu”, and they will carry forward Wushu like “two wings”; Wushu should seize the historical opportunities to reflect on its own gains and losses, and extract and exploit its own unique advantages that are complementary to the western sports culture to contribute to the progress of human civilization in contemporary society.

Key words: Wushu, the eastward transmission of western science, sports, contemporary society, historical opportunity