Rayna Vallandingham, born on January 18, 2003, in Encinitas, California, is an American martial artist, actress, and social media influencer. With 13 world championships in Taekwondo and a growing career in entertainment, she is recognized for her exceptional skills, athleticism, and advocacy for women in martial arts.
Vallandingham began training in Taekwondo at the age of two and earned her black belt at the age of seven. By eight, she had already won her first world championship, becoming one of the youngest athletes to achieve this milestone. She has since mastered various weapons forms, including the bo staff and nunchaku, making her a standout in competitive martial arts.
Her transition into acting began with the 2015 martial arts film Underdog Kids, where she played Leticia Hernandez. She later gained more recognition after appearing in Shawn Mendes’ Youth music video in 2018. In 2024, she joined the cast of Netflix’s Cobra Kai Season 6 as Zara Malik, a skilled martial artist and social media influencer, further cementing her place in entertainment.
Beyond acting and martial arts, Vallandingham is a popular social media personality, using platforms like YouTube and TikTok to share training insights, motivational content, and personal experiences. She is a strong advocate for empowering women in combat sports, proudly embracing the phrase "kick like a girl" as a symbol of strength and resilience.
With her dedication to martial arts and her expanding presence in Hollywood, Vallandingham continues to inspire a new generation of athletes and performers.