Abstract: The development of Chinese martial arts has always claimed itself as “sport” for a long time and has experience a series of reform in order to become an Olympic event, but the reform has put the development of martial arts into an embarrassing situation of going against its original will, which leads to the absence of cultural dimension and the dissimilation of technique levels. The paper depends on literature and logical analysis to research and summarize Chinese martial arts development, believing that the present development situation urgently requires a fresh reflection on the “top-level design” with the philosophy of “carrying forward the national culture and highlighting the Chinese value” as its ultimate goal. We should also adhere to the subject consciousness, practice the cultural standpoint of China’s road, adopt the international communication by advertising Chinese identity and manifesting cultural charm, and stick to the resource development bottom line of “ expanding existence space and perusing diversified development ” so as to achieve the goal of grand development and prosperity of Chinese martial arts.

Key words: Chinese martial arts, development, top-layer design