Rayna Vallandingham is not just a talented Taekwondo champion, but also an emerging actress. As a 13-time world champion in Taekwondo and a rising star on Netflix’s Cobra Kai, Rayna’s success story is both inspiring and fascinating. Her ethnic heritage plays a big part in shaping who she is today. In this article, we’ll explore her ethnic background, family history, and how her roots influence her life and career.
Quick Info
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Rayna Jade Vallandingham |
Date of Birth | January 18, 2003 |
Age | 21 years old (as of 2024) |
Height | 5 feet 5 inches |
Weight | 50 kg (approx.) |
Ethnicity | Indian |
Nationality | American |
Religion | Christian |
Parents | Jeff Vallandingham (Father), Joty Vallandingham (Mother) |
Occupation | Taekwondo Champion, Actress, Social Media Influencer |
Family Background | Both parents are chiropractors |
Siblings | Has siblings (not publicly known) |
Ethnicity

Rayna Vallandingham’s ethnicity is a blend of her Indian heritage and American nationality. Growing up in California, she was surrounded by a mix of cultures, which shaped her worldview. Her ethnic origins are Indian, and this connection to her cultural background has influenced her identity, both personally and professionally.
Her Indian roots are not just a part of her personal history; they also contribute to her unique perspective in the entertainment and sports worlds. As a woman of color in the competitive fields of Taekwondo and acting, Rayna brings diversity and strength to everything she does. Her racial background plays a significant role in her journey and success.
Personal Life
Rayna’s personal life offers insight into how her upbringing shaped her as a person. She was raised in Encinitas, California, and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career. Rayna’s parents, Jeff and Joty Vallandingham, both chiropractors, provided her with a supportive environment growing up. Her family values discipline and hard work, which is why she began training in Taekwondo at just 2 years old.
Her early commitment to martial arts is remarkable. By the time she was a teenager, she had already won 11 world championships. This drive for excellence was supported by her parents, who encouraged her to pursue her passions. Even though Rayna graduated high school, she didn’t attend college due to being waitlisted. Instead, she focused on her acting ambitions, taking up classes to learn more about the craft.
Career

Rayna Vallandingham’s career journey is a mix of Taekwondo excellence and growing success in acting. She made her acting debut in 2015 in the movie Underdog Kids. While she was already well-known in the martial arts community for her 13-time world champion title, acting became a new passion. Her dedication to her craft quickly paid off when she landed a role in Shawn Mendes’ music video for “Youth” in 2018.
In 2021, Rayna appeared in the short film Pawns, but her biggest role came in 2024 when she joined the cast of Cobra Kai. As Zara Malik, she impressed audiences with her martial arts skills and acting abilities. Her experience in Taekwondo made her a perfect fit for the role. Rayna’s acting career is just beginning, and she has plans to expand into more projects in the future.
Rayna also has a significant presence on social media. She shares martial arts tips, personal stories, and promotional content on platforms like Instagram, where she has millions of followers. Her viral rod skills video on YouTube has garnered over 60 million views, solidifying her position as a social media influencer.
Unknown Facts

Rayna Vallandingham’s story is full of surprising facts that many people might not know. For example, she earned her first-degree black belt at just 7 years old. This early achievement set the tone for her career in martial arts. Over the years, she has amassed a large following on TikTok, with over 2 million followers.
Rayna is also represented by the prestigious WME Agency, which shows the growing recognition of her talents in both acting and social media. She regularly collaborates with brands like Alo Yoga, Veynd, and 1st Phorm. These collaborations have made her a key figure in the world of fitness and brand promotion.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Rayna is also known for her Christian faith, which has always been a part of her life. Her spiritual beliefs play a role in guiding her actions and decisions.
Conclusion
Rayna Vallandingham is an inspiring figure, whose ethnic heritage has influenced both her personal and professional life. Her Indian roots blend seamlessly with her American upbringing, giving her a unique perspective in her career. From her impressive Taekwondo achievements to her breakout role in Cobra Kai, Rayna continues to break boundaries and inspire others with her dedication and talent.
Her success is a testament to the power of embracing one’s heritage and using it to fuel passion and achievement. Whether on the Taekwondo mat, in front of the camera, or on social media, Rayna is proving that ethnicity, when embraced, can be a powerful tool in shaping one’s future.
FAQs
What is Rayna Vallandingham’s ethnicity?
Rayna Vallandingham is of Indian ethnicity and holds American nationality.
When was Rayna Vallandingham born?
She was born on January 18, 2003, in California, USA.
What religion does Rayna Vallandingham follow?
Rayna is a Christian by religion.
What are Rayna Vallandingham’s achievements in Taekwondo?
Rayna is a 13-time world champion and has a black belt in Taekwondo.
What role did Rayna Vallandingham play in Cobra Kai?
She played Zara Malik in the sixth season of Cobra Kai.
How old is Rayna Vallandingham?
Rayna is currently 21 years old (as of 2024).

Abigail Aby is an experienced blogger with a passion for storytelling and sharing life’s valuable lessons. With years of writing expertise, she cuAbigail Aby is an experienced blogger with a passion for storytelling and sharing life’s valuable lessons. With years of writing expertise, she curates insightful articles that inspire and empower her readers. Her blog, LifeTalesArt, is a blend of personal experiences and expert advice, aimed at helping others navigate life’s challenges with creativity and grace. Follow her journey to discover a wealth of wisdom and inspiration.rates insightful articles that inspire and empower her readers. Her blog, LifeTalesArt, is a blend of personal experiences and expert advice, aimed at helping others navigate life’s challenges with creativity and grace. Follow her journey to discover a wealth of wisdom and inspiration.