Canadian SNCOA instructor excels in classroom and martial arts Published Nov. 13, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Brannen Parrish Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Step inside Chief Warrant Officer Gabriel Chartier's classroom and what sticks out more than his Canadian military uniform, or his French-Canadian accent, is his energetic and dynamic approach to teaching. Laugh with him, joke with him, smile with him, but do not make the mistake of confusing his friendly disposition for weakness - because CWO Chartier can break your arm. The Canadian liaison to the Air Force Senior NCO Academy and a flight instructor, CWO Chartier has studied a multitude of martial arts styles since the age of 8 and continues to compete in martial arts tournaments. At the Birmingham, Annual Martial Arts Open Tournament last month, CWO Chartier took first place in Kata and Weapon Kata competitions, which are judged on form and proficiency. He took second in combat. "I started out with judo in 1969 in Joliette, Quebec, and attained a green belt, but my family moved and I studied Karate Shotokan for two years. Because of the moving around, I learned different types." Jujitsu, Kendo, Iaidō, Tae Kwan Do and boxing are just a few of the disciplines he reels off when asked about martial arts. A second degree black belt, or ni dan in the Shitō Ryū style of Karate, CWO Chartier was a member of the Canadian Shitō Ryū national team from 1991 to 1995 and a coach ona the team from 1996 to 1997. He has trained with mixed martial arts fighter Georges "Rush" St. Pierre and martial arts students from around the world. His energy and outgoing personality make him a popular figure at the SNCOA, whether at work or during organizational functions. "He's very outgoing, he's very quick witted and he keeps things interesting," said Senior Master Sgt. David Robbins, a flight instructor at SNCOA and a classmate who attended instructor training with CWO Chartier. "Anytime you go to a party, he's surrounded by people listening to his jokes." His energy and versatility stand out to his students as well. "I'd describe him as energetic and dynamic," said Senior Master Sgt. Jerry Nowlin, one of CWO Chartier's students at the Senior NCO Academy. "There is something for everyone in his class. Not only does he have a ground background but a Canadian Air Force background as well. He knows where to put the jokes, and that makes it more interesting. It's the most dynamic professional military education courses I've been through." CWO Chartier has served the Canadian Armed Forces more than 31 years. At 16, he entered military service through the country's Boy Soldier Program, which allowed him to serve in the military and complete his education in a fashion similar to that provided by high school military academies in the United States. "I really needed the military service; I was a turbulent teen," he says. Throughout his service and travels, he has maintained a strong passion and commitment to martial arts. Prior to receiving orders to the SNCOA in 2008 as part of an exchange program between the United States and Canadian air forces, he was working on becoming a third degree black belt, or san dan, in Canada. While attending a local dojo in Montgomery, his sensei noted his skills and asked him to take on some teaching responsibilities. Chartier is especially popular among the younger students. "His interactions with the kids are fantastic; they love him to death," said David Koda, a sixth degree black belt, or sixth dan, in Yoshukai Karate and the director of the U.S. Yoshukai Karate Association and head instructor at U.S. Yoshukai Karate in Montgomery. "He is passionate and truly energetic about karate. If I weren't a teacher myself, I would want him to teach my children." When he completes his current assignment, CWO Chartier will become the commandant of the Canadian Air Force's equivalent of the SNCOA. He continues to mull the possibility of opening his own dojo after retirement. "It's a way of life," he says. "I apply it to the way I approach life."