Moments

I first met Brandon Narleski about five years ago when I joined Strategic Academy, a mixed martial arts and gym training center. He was probably in his early teens. I remembered always seeing him at the gym whenever I came to train at Strategic and have also trained with him. Brandon was deeply involved with mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He was very disciplined and dedicated to his craft. It wasn't until more than half a year later that I found out Brandon was the son of John Narleski, owner of Strategic. Brandon trained hard and was humble. He never sought special treatment. Watching Brandon grow up during those five years, one thing that stood out was Brandon's smile. Despite being a teenager, Brandon always had a smile on his face, always had a positive outlook, and loved life. He loved to train martial arts, was passionate about music (his favorite saying was "I don't make beats, I make music"), and had a great network of friends and family. Brandon enjoyed living, and also brought joy to those around him - his friends, his coaches, his family, his peers, his superiors - with his kindness, positivity and that infectious smile. He is sorely missed.