What changes when your fabric grips disappear?
Your sleeve and collar grips are no longer available. In his Gi-to-No-Gi guide, Stephan Kesting uses closed guard with sleeve and collar grips as an example that needs to change without the Gi.
Start with the job a familiar fabric grip did. There isn't one new grip that always replaces it.
In closed guard, what was your sleeve grip controlling?
Pick one familiar moment in closed guard and name what your sleeve grip helped you control. For example, were you using it to manage your partner's arm? If so, focus on that arm when you work from a similar position in No-Gi.
In a similar No-Gi practice moment, notice when you lose control of that arm. Is it as you try to take hold, or after you've started working from the position? Bring that moment to your coach. It gives them something more specific to look at than “my grips don't work.”
What should you ask your coach about No-Gi closed guard?
Ask about the control you need in that position: “When I can't use my sleeve grip from closed guard, what should I control first here?”
Add what you noticed about your partner's arm and when you lost control. Ask your coach to look at the position with you. The answer depends on what's happening there; a list of replacement grips can't settle that question for you.
Find a Gi or No-Gi class at Phantom
Phantom's adult BJJ program includes Gi and No-Gi. Check the current schedule for class formats, levels and times, then ask which class fits your experience.
If you're choosing your first format before you've trained, start with the beginner's explanation of Gi and No-Gi BJJ.