BELLEVILLE — Fred Christian, who has taught shorin-ryu karate for 44 years, will be the guest speaker Friday at the monthly meeting of the Belleville Senior Men's Sports Group at the PSOP (Programs and Services for Older Persons) building at 201 N. Church St., in Belleville.

An eighth-degree black belt in matsubayashi-ryu shorin-ryu karate, the highest American rank, the 66-year-old Christian was stricken by polio when he was 7 years old. Among his topics will be self defense techniques.

Persons (men or women) interested in attending the meeting, which begins at 11 a.m. and includes lunch at $6 per person, are urged to make reservations by contacting PSOP Activities at 234-4410, ext. 7016.

Christian is the founder and chief instructor at the Shorin-Ryu Karate Club at 15 N. 47th St., in Belleville.