太極(八法五步)是國家體育總局為了更好地宣傳、推廣、普及太極拳運動，弘揚中國優秀傳統文化，本著科學化、規範化、簡易化的原則，由國家體育總局武術運動管理中心組織專家創編的一個簡單易學的太極拳入門套路，是在各式太極拳的基礎上，將太極拳中共性的、核心的“八法五步”技術內容進行了整理規範，即:圍繞著太極拳“擁、捋、擠、按、探、捌、肘、靠”八種勁法，結合“進、退、顧、盼、定”五種步法，以及站樁和行進兩種鍛煉形式進行梳理提煉，從而形成了一套具有文化性、健身性和簡易性的太極拳普及套路。它動作結構簡單，數量合理，內涵豐富，易學易練，是繼二十四式簡化太極拳之後推出的又一個更加簡化、較為理想的太極拳入門套路。
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The “Eight Methods and Five Steps” routine is a simple and easy-to-learn introduction to Taijiquan created by experts of the Wushu Sports Management Center of State Sports Administration in order to better publicize, promote and popularize Taijiquan, and promote Chinas excellent traditional culture. Drawing on all forms of Taijiquan, the core techniques are represented in the "Eight Methods and Five Steps" routine, encompassing the eight methods of "ward-off, rollback, push, press, grab, split, elbow strike and shoulder strike", combined with the five steps of "advancing, retreating, looking left, gazing right and central equilibrium", as well as the two modes of exercise of standing stake and advancing. These have been refined into a popular routine of culture, fitness and simplicity. The movements are simple in structure, moderate in number but rich in meaning, and easy to learn and practice. This is the ideal routine onto which to progress from the 24-form simplified Taijiquan routine.
