Char to Bit String

Hello, I cannot figure out how to do the following in java...

Lets say I have a char 'z'
I need to know its bit pattern and be able to check the value of any bit
I haven't been able to find a way to do this in java even though it seem simple.

So 'z' is 01111010
I need to find this preferably as a string then I will be able to easily check any bit I want.

Any Ideas? Thank You

String z = Integer.toBinaryString((int)'z');

You sir are my hero. Many Thanks.