As the ’60s wore on and the Beatles became less dependent on Spira’s inspiration and S2-level coaching, Spira again found a new hobby. He joined a local country club as a means to imbibe a few Tom Collins before noon, and was invited to a game of tennis by a fellow member. Spira not only fell in love with the game, but also found himself to be naturally talented. Spira competed professionally in doubles tennis, famously pairing up with Arthur Ashe to win several tournaments in the late 60s and early 70s. The rigors of the tennis court allowed Spira to develop amazing cardio fitness, but after meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1971, Spira was inspired to become a bodybuilder. Posing for pictures quickly bored Spira, and he applied his new level of physical strength and discipline to martial arts. Spira left New York to study under famous sensei Yip Man, who died under disputed circumstances after sparring with Spira. The very next year, fellow Yip Man protege Bruce Lee also met his demise just hours after meeting Spira for a friendly game of billiards.