Inside position means that you are inside of your opponent’s defense.
In the simplest of terms, „defense“ means to keep your opponent away from you. Which you do by using your frames.
„Offense“ means to keep your opponent close to you. Which you do by taking inside position grips.
As far as keeping your opponent away from you is considered, you’re using both your layer one and layer two of defense to do so.
Layer 1 meaning hands and feet, and layer 2 meaning knees and elbows.
For example, in a standing situation, when your frames are inside of your opponent’s defense – you’re controlling the inside space.
And you’re using your frames to keep them away. Until you’re ready to get close to them to gain access to their inside position with your grips.
So, having your frames on the inside of your opponent’s defense should be thought of as controlling the inside space.
And taking inside position grips should be thought of as taking the inside position.
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but separating them into their own terms can help clarify your objective.
However, it’s important to emphasize that both controlling the inside space and taking inside position grips means that you’re inside your opponent’s defense.
Which is why they are both labeled as „inside position“.
Their offense is on the outside of your defense, hence “outside position”.
So, remember: controlling the inside space allows you to take inside position grips and also prevents your opponent from taking inside position on you.
