Sensei Thomas Bobb began training in the art of World Oyama Karate in 1987.  He trained under the supervision of Sensei Sallie Olstein and Saiko Shihan Oyama .  Saiko Shihan Oyama was a chief instructor for the Kyokushin Organization before founding World Oyama Karate in 1985 with his brother, Soshu Shigeru Oyama. During Sensei's training with World Oyama Karate he competed in knock-down competitions. 

In addition to his karate heritage he holds a 2nd degree blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do through the Capital Region Martial Arts Alliance.  During his tenure in Tae Kwon Do he competed in many local and national competitions in kumite, power and creative breaking and katas.  He has been instructing students of all ages for over 10 years.  

Sensei opened Kontakuto Martial Arts with his wife Casey in March of 2012.  His goal was to create an environment for anyone who was interested in learning the art of Karate, regardless of their past martial arts experience, their age or their abilities. 

He is currently the Rensselaer Branch Chief for the International Kyokushinai Union and holds a third degree with the IKU.

Sensei Wood began his formal martial arts training in 1995 at Chikara-Naka Karate which is based on Seido and Budokai Karate.  In 1998 he transfer to the Honbu of Kesshin-Kai Karate.  In 2001 he was awarded Shodan with Kesshin-Kai Karate, under Shihan Roy Hoffman.  Kesshin-Kai was formed in May of 1997 with it’s foundation built from the traditional teachings and beliefs of the great Masutatsu Oyama. Chip has competed  internationally placing 3rd in full contact kumite at the American International Karate Championship. 

 In 2002 he left the capital district for work reasons but continued training informally and learned new styles/techniques with various martial arts schools and military units (close quarters combat, etc.).  In 2005 he returned and reunited with Chikanara as an Instructor.

In 2012 he joined Kontakuto Martial Arts as Sempai under Sensei Thomas Bobb and  tested for his third  dan with the International Kyokushinkai Union in December of 2012. Sensei Chip assists with instructing the kid's karate and Kyokushin programs.   

Sempai's Casey's primary martial arts experience is in Tae Kwon Do and Defensive Hapkido.  She holds a 3rd degree blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do and a first degree blackbelt in Defensive Hapkido through the Capital Region Martial Arts Alliance.  She has competed locally and nationally in kumite, breaking and kata competitions.  

She has been training in Kyokushin under Sensei Bobb and is currently seeking to convert her rank to Sho Dan in 2013 under the supervision of Shihan James Bruchac.

Sempai Casey opened Kontakuto Martial Arts and Fitness Center with her husband, Sensei Bobb in March of 2012.  She is a certified as a personal trainer and  teaches Cardio Kickboxing, Kids Karate and Self Defense for Women.