Jurchen Guazima Tactics

Timeline

1. c. 1110–1115Jurchen forest regions · HeilongjiangJurchen hunters and tribes long used lightly equipped mounted archery and outflanking from both sides to hunt game, forming a military tradition of flanking maneuvers and rapid mobility.
2. c. 1116–1121Western Liao and Yanshan line · ChinaDuring the conquest of Liao, the Jin army organized light cavalry into two wings, using Guazima to outflank from the sides while coordinating with the Iron Pagoda's frontal breakthrough, bringing the tactical system to maturity.
3. 1121–1130Battlefields of the Two Rivers and Shandong · ChinaAfter 1121, the Jin army repeatedly used Guazima to outflank from both wings of the Song army, waiting for the Iron Pagoda's frontal pinning before using mounted archery to disrupt formations, achieving decisive victories in battles such as Fuping.
4. c. 1130–1140Huai River Basin · ChinaSouthern Song generals gradually countered Guazima flank attacks by holding strong positions and restricting open-field battles; the Jin army also in some battles adopted mixed infantry-cavalry formations to reduce the risk of flank interception.