Todd Day Wait, “It Hits Me Hard Sometimes,” // GemsOnVHS™
A lot of you might know me as Anthony Simpkins, folk music lover and banjo picker. Did you know I also am a life long martial artist though? I was in elementary school when I started Taekwondo, my parents probably thinking it was a great place for cheap babysitting. I broke those boards. Now a days I practice JiuJitsu (blue belt under Justin Cavender, the legend himself), and train boxing/kickboxing at Swiftkick MMA in Nashville, TN. Sometimes I even combine them all for MMA (sometimes). When I get the chance to bring together all the things I love, nothing makes me happier. So when Todd told me about his appreciation for kung fu movies, and his Vietnam War veteran uncle’s old dojo, I decided we’d bring him by one of the gyms I train at.
This is McMinnville, TN. It is about an hour and 45 away from Nashville, probably closer to Chattanooga, and near where I live in the country. In a little strip mall, tucked into a basement that looks straight out of the 1980s, you’ll find Team Legacy Martial Arts (https://www.facebook.com/teamlegacymartialarts). I train here sometimes under sensei Paul Byars. I love this spot, because its one of those places that exist purely for the love of the sport. You’ll find a lot of “corporate gyms” littering cities now a days, and though any kind of physical engagement is good for you, this is the kind of place good for your body and soul.
Todd has a great song for the occasion; “It hits me hard sometimes”, and he plays it live for us while Christian beats on the heavy bag. Christian also took some time to show us through some moves, teach us some basics, and have a little chat about motivation and working to improve yourself. I believe in the power of music and martial arts both to improve your life for the better. Having a hobby of any kind is the key to a fulfilled life, and the people you meet along the way make it all the more worthwhile.
Todd Day Wait finally released his first album. No, I have no idea how he has been at it this long and only released .45s and random songs, but he finally got this damn album done and i’ve been really happy to help him bring it to life. (https://open.spotify.com/track/7BSzQSTPWeMFxhVk8FhOZx?si=a8516b3378b541fa)
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@GemsOnVHS
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Todd is now on VHS. Order one for you, and your granny. Great stocking stuffer. https://gemsonvhs.myshopify.com/products/vhs-field-recordings-w-todd-day-wait
@nathanyork59
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Find your heart,There your soul. Where smiles come from Im told…. Fucking gold Todd
@Kylerjguitar
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
love this video. dont know why it worked so well but it sure did
@gilbertdukeman4420
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Thank you for this song man, this song is accurate to my life now
@Meganstaek
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
My grandparents used to live in McMinnville! Or that's where their mailing address was, at least. I've never actually done anything in town, just went to theirh ouse. kinda want to explore it now
@mrjoe890
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
The past is alright hanging out on its own
@August140
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
This is incredible! Listening to bluesy country while watching a guy kick ass!
@captaintomandthehooligans7106
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
What a cool vid!
@alexanderbeetle
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Fresh pick’n guard on that ol’ Gibson folk singer guitar must’ve found hm’self a guitar mechanic.
Sounds gr8 ace.
A 🪲
@sethmountain
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Instant classic right here!
@Simco_
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
…karate gi pants have pockets?? dudes just out wristlocking themselves?
@xconnorgrillox
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Thanks
@hillpunk92
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
fantastic tune! when ever i feel home sick i listen to Todd and im back home hangin with a chill Missouri boy.
@stormyyoung6344
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Good performance
@jonnyhoekstra
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
So good! So brave not to worry about rhyming all the darn time.
@TheDeadbirdy
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Nice.
@scottkidwell3601
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Damn.
Great song, well done!
Thanks, y'all 🙏🏻🤍
@Napoleon-Blownapart
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Good but a Walmart Willie 😜
@DustinCasler
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Country music and Karate. The crossover I didn’t realize I needed until just now.
@DTA-me3kv
December 24, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Me and all my friends took karate and would fight one another all the time for fun. It's how ya create character
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