MARCO Moro may not have permanent lodgings for his martial arts centre Taekwondo Plus, but the founder certainly has the talent to succeed.

Together with newly accredited level 1 taekwondo coach and daughter Jessica, as well as coach Darrel D’Sauza, the 2005 national rookie referee has established a firm following in the three years since he started up the club, which now boasts more than 100 members.

“We have a really good bunch of people and have formed our own social club. It’s a family oriented club that caters for all ages,” Marco said.

Despite the wide following, Marco has yet to find a suitable place to formally set up Taekwondo Plus.

In the meantime, the Parkwood Green and St Albans primary school gymnasiums are transformed into training meccas three times a week for junior competitors, and up to five times a week for its seniors.

The club is prominent on the taekwondo circuit, most recently for the six medals scooped up at last month’s Victorian Junior Sparring Autumn Open.

Under the guidance of Jessica, prodigy Aaron Wain walked away from the competition with a state title under his red belt in the 10 to 11 years/34 to 38kg division.

Marco praised the 11-year-old’s efforts. “He had to win three separate fights to win the gold and his fights were full contact, so he did really well to win the three,” Marco said.

The group are no strangers to elite competition, with five representatives from the club qualifying for the 2006 Victorian squad.

Wain claimed a bronze medal in his division but it was his sister Naomi who stole the spotlight when she became the yellow belt national champion.

Teammate Daniel Lee also tasted success in sparring with his bronze medal, while Joseph Moro snared a gold medal in the 10 to 11 years poomsae event.

Poomsae is a predetermined shadow boxing sequence performed in front of judges.

And while competitors have to be black belt before they are eligible to compete at international level, Marco is confident that his youngsters may one day qualify for the Australian taekwondo team.

“They have to prove themselves at national level before going international. The kids are young but I think they have what it takes to get into the national team,” he said.