Over time there have evolved a variety of styles or schools of Tai Chi Chuan. These reflect both a growth and devlopment of the form in general, as well as differences of style and emphasis between different techers. Elements of other martial arts forms have made themselves felt in Tai Chi, and this has changed its character as well.
Most of the different schools or styles of Tai Chi have been given the surnames of their founders. The following are the principal schools of Tai Chi that are in existance today.