Royce Gracie remains one of the most prominent figures in the mixed-martial arts craze, and his early dominance of the Ultimate Fighting Championship still speaks to his legend.

And that legend will be making an appearance soon in Northwest Missouri, giving local martial arts enthusiasts an opportunity to work out with the Brazilian jiu jitsu expert.

“For a martial artist to work out with Royce Gracie is like a baseball fan to work out with Pete Rose,” said Mark Bundy, who runs Ed Parker’s American Kenpo Karate school in Cameron, Mo.

Bundy, himself a fourth-degree black belt in kenpo karate, made the contact with Gracie and will bring the star to Bundy’s Cameron school, which is located at 116 W. Fourth St.

Gracie won the Ultimate Fighting Championships 1, 2 and 4. He’s the son of Helio Gracie, who developed the Gracie-style of Brazilian jiu jitsu.

“Mr. Gracie basically showed us that if you don’t have a ground game, something’s missing in your training,” Bundy said. “He gave us something to think about and showed us where our weakness was. Before him, martial arts were almost completely focused on stand-up fighting. He took us to the ground.”

The event will be Sept. 19. It will feature three sessions. The first will be for children and runs from 10 to 11 a.m. For adults, there will be two sessions: noon to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.

The children’s cost is $25 apiece. For adults, the fee is $50 per session. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (816) 724-0895 or by e-mail at mbundy@epak-cameron.com. Spectators also are welcome to attend any session for a $5 ticket.

“Obviously, working out with the best in the world makes you better,” Bundy said. “I just think this is a great opportunity.”

Sports Editor Scott Pummell can be reached

at scottp@npgco.com