Rayna Vallandingham
Rayna Vallandingham, Martial Arts Champion and Actress

Rayna Vallandingham

Quick Facts

Known For 13-time American Taekwondo Association Champion
Martial Arts Fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo
Acting Role Zara Malik in Cobra Kai
Latest News SI Swimsuit 2025 Rookie

Biography

Rayna Vallandingham is a remarkable martial artist who began her journey at the age of two. She has since become one of the most accomplished young martial artists in the world, earning a fourth-degree black belt and winning 13 American Taekwondo Association championships.

Beyond her martial arts achievements, Rayna has successfully ventured into acting and modeling, most notably appearing in Netflix's hit series "Cobra Kai" and being selected as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie for 2025.

Martial Arts Career

Starting her training at just two years old, Rayna quickly demonstrated exceptional talent in Taekwondo. Her dedication and skill have led to numerous achievements:

  • 13-time American Taekwondo Association Champion
  • Fourth-degree black belt achievement
  • XMA Forms World Championships winner
  • Viral recognition for her impressive martial arts demonstrations
  • Large social media following with over 650,000 YouTube subscribers
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Rayna Training, screen grab from her Instagram id raynavallandingham
Rayna Training, screen grab from her Instagram id raynavallandingham

Acting Career

Rayna's martial arts expertise has opened doors in the entertainment industry. Her notable acting credits include:

  • Role of Zara Malik in Netflix's "Cobra Kai" as co-captain of the Iron Dragons dojo
  • Debut role as Leticia Hernandez in "Underdog Kids" (2015)
  • Various television and film appearances showcasing her martial arts skills

Recent Achievements (2024-2025)

Rayna continues to break new ground in her career:

  • Selected as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie for the 2025 edition
  • Gained viral attention for her martial arts demonstrations, including a notable video showing her impressive kick technique
  • Expanded her social media presence with millions of views on her martial arts content
  • Continued success in her role on "Cobra Kai"

Social Media and Influence

Rayna has built a significant online presence, using her platform to inspire and educate others about martial arts. Her YouTube channel, active since 2014, has over 650,000 subscribers and features martial arts content that has garnered millions of views. She regularly shares training videos, techniques, and behind-the-scenes content from her various projects.

Role in Cobra Kai

In "Cobra Kai," Rayna Vallandingham portrays Zara Malik, a co-captain of the Iron Dragons dojo. Her character showcases not only her martial arts skills but also her ability to navigate the challenges of competition and teamwork. Rayna's performance has been well-received, contributing to the show's dynamic portrayal of martial arts and youth culture.