INSTRUCTORS
ASHLEY FERRARA
Black Belt | Owner | Head Professor
Professor Ashley Ferrara is the owner and head professor of Sanders Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, bringing 15 years of Jiu-Jitsu experience and a strong background in training, competition, and martial arts instruction.
Ashley began her Jiu-Jitsu journey under Jay Mansfield, a black belt under Professor Roberto Maia, before continuing her development under the late Professor John Sanders. As she progressed through the ranks, she became a strong competitor throughout the Northeast, competing on both the East and West Coasts. She was the Academy’s first female black belt, promoted by Professor John, and today carries that foundation forward as the Academy’s head professor.
Ashley also has a background in striking and Muay Thai, adding a broader understanding of martial arts and how different disciplines translate into practical Jiu-Jitsu. As a smaller grappler, she has developed a particular understanding of how to use leverage, positioning, timing, and pressure to take away an opponent’s strengths rather than trying to match them.
Her teaching philosophy centers on concepts and systems rather than simply teaching sequences of techniques. Ashley focuses on helping students understand why Jiu-Jitsu works, how to adapt it, and how to build a Jiu-Jitsu that works for their own body and abilities.
Ashley continues her own development through ongoing training and mentorship with Professor Rodrigo Mendeiros, a black belt under Carlson Gracie Sr. She travels to the West Coast throughout the year to train at Pacific Beach Fight Center, bringing new knowledge and perspectives back to Sanders Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
As a professor, Ashley is committed to maintaining a high standard of instruction while creating an environment where students feel welcomed, challenged, and motivated to grow
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EVAN FAVORITE
Black Belt | Wrestling Specialist | Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Coach Evan brings a wealth of experience to the mats at our Academy. He began wrestling at age 11 and went on to become a two-time New Hampshire State Champion and New England Champion, later competing on the national stage in Columbus, Ohio. His journey continued under the guidance of University of New Hampshire Head Wrestling Coach and two-time national Judo champion, David Butler.
After college, Evan expanded his martial arts background by training in Muay Thai and shoot fighting under Kru Guy Chase. In 2013, he began his Jiu-Jitsu journey under Professor John Sanders. Following Professor John’s passing, Evan continued his training and development under Professor Ashley Ferrara, who took over as head professor of the Academy. After years of dedication, training, and continued growth, Evan was awarded his black belt by Professor Ashley Ferrara in August 2026.
Professionally, Evan has dedicated over 20 years to law enforcement, with 15 years of service on a SWAT team, bringing discipline, focus, and composure to everything he does.
On the mats, Coach Evan is known for his sharp wrestling, sarcastic sense of humor, and motivating, upbeat coaching style that meets each student where they are. He focuses on helping individuals build their own Jiu-Jitsu, step by step and at their own pace.
DAN SAIA
Black Belt | Wrestling Coach | Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Dan is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Professor John Sanders and brings a strong foundation in wrestling to his teaching at Sanders Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Having wrestled in college and taught wrestling, he offers students valuable experience in takedowns, control, and the connection between wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Passionate about teaching, Dan brings high energy, technical knowledge, and a great sense of humor to every class. His ability to make training both challenging and enjoyable helps students stay engaged while developing their skills.
As the academy’s wrestling coach, Dan plays an important role in helping students build confidence in their takedowns and improve their overall grappling.
In Memoriam
JOHN SANDERS
Co-Founder | Head Instructor (In Memoriam 2025)
Professor John Sanders was a 4th-degree black belt under Rodrigo Medeiros, who earned his black belt from Carlson Gracie Sr. With over 20 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu experience and more than a decade of teaching, John earned a reputation as one of the most respected and technical instructors in the region.
His Jiu-Jitsu journey began in 1998 at the Pacific Beach Fight Center in San Diego, and he later became a competitive member of the BJJ Revolution Team on the West Coast before relocating to the Northeast. Known for his precise, detail-oriented style, John had a deep technical game with a particular emphasis on leg locks—a specialty that became a signature part of his teaching.
John co-founded Sanders Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy alongside Ashley Ferrara, where together they built a school grounded in discipline, community, and a true love for the art. Over six years of training directly under John, Ashley not only learned from him as a student—she absorbed his style, his systems, and the details that defined his game. His knowledge, especially his technical depth and leg lock system, continues to be taught through her.
Now head instructor of the Academy, Ashley carries John’s instruction forward with pride and purpose. Every class is shaped by the principles he instilled in her. While John may no longer be with us physically, his presence lives on through the techniques, the lessons, and the standard he set—passed down directly to the next generation through her.
His legacy continues in every roll, every student, and every lesson shared on these mats.