Meet Us
Our dedicated team at Gentle Arts Academy is led by two passionate co-founders who are committed to sharing their expertise.
4th Degree Blackbelt & Co-Founder
Professor Dangelo Vieira
Dangelo Vieira is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from the Cantagalo Favela in Rio de Janeiro. He began training at age 10 and started teaching kids by 15, sparking a lifelong passion for mentoring young athletes.
Since earning his black belt in 2004, Dangelo has taught BJJ and Luta Livre (No-Gi) for over two decades across Brazil, the U.S., China, and Australia. A former MMA fighter, wrestling competitor, and BJJ champion, he brings deep experience to every class.
Above all, Dangelo is a dedicated mentor who excels at working with kids—helping them build confidence, discipline, and life skills through Jiu-Jitsu in a positive, structured environment. He now brings his expertise to the Cairns community.
Functional Breathcoach & Yoga Instructor
Coach Dani Wong
Dani is a Hatha Yoga Teacher and certified Functional & Therapeutic Breath Coach from Far North Queensland. Her journey began in India in 2015, where she studied meditation with Tibetan monks and completed her Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh. She later deepened her practice through Vipassana meditation retreats in the U.S. and Hong Kong, and formal breathwork training back in Australia.
Dani now shares these transformative practices with her local community, offering breath-centered Hatha yoga, pranayama, and meditation. Her teaching integrates functional and therapeutic breathing techniques to support relaxation, resilience, and overall well-being