Gunman on the run after Melbourne gym-owner shot in front of patrons

A gunman is on the loose after a father was shot on his way to a kickboxing class south-east of Melbourne yesterday.

At 6.40pm yesterday, three shots were fired at Clay Auimatagi as he arrived at Skamma Gym in Narre Warren.

The 44-year-old is the co-owner of the martial arts training facility in Vesper Driver.

Mr Auimatagi was about to take a kickboxing class when he was shot in the leg. Police believe the gunman fled in a car.

The shooting occurred in an industrial area where children were attending a dance class nearby.

There were about seven people in the gym at the time of the shooting, with at least one person witnessing it.

They told 9NEWS Mr Auimatagi managed to walk inside before collapsing on the ground.

Patrons applied pressure to his leg wound before an ambulance arrived.

Originally from New Zealand, the former kickboxing champion has over 25 years of fighting experience. He now lives near the gym and is understood to have run the facility for a few years.

After the shooting he tweeted 'there won't be any bjj class tomorrow cause I will (be) away tomorrow. Sorry!".

The Armed Crime Squad is investigating who may have a motive to hurt Mr Auimatagi.

"Might be a territory thing, maybe they're taking ... members off other gyms," witness Nelson Pollard said.

Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has more information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.