Dr. Komal Rao
• Sports Model
• Pro MMA Athlete
• Director UCCA NGO
• 3X TEDx Speaker
• Psychologist & Doctor
Dr. Komal Rao
• Sports Model
• Pro MMA Athlete
• Director UCCA NGO
• 3X TEDx Speaker
• Psychologist & Doctor
Dr. Komal Rao – Woman of Steel | One of few MMA women in the world to defeat a male
Dr. Komal Rao is recognized for her powerful presence both inside and outside the combat arena known as “Woman of Steel” and as the ‘woman empowerment model for Volvo’.
She has built a multi-faceted identity as a sports model, a TEDx speaker, Author, professional Mixed Martial Arts competitor and JKD instructor. She is also a Doctor specialising in Exercise physiology and Psychology.
Dr. Komal Rao has carved her own path as a dynamic athlete and performer, shaped by the mentorship of renowned combat experts Major Deepak Rao and Dr. Seema Rao.
Alongside her athletic pursuits, Dr. Rao contributes to leadership and training initiatives as the Administrative Director of the Unconventional Commando Combat Academy (UCCA), supporting programs dedicated to empowerment, discipline, and intensive martial-arts education.
Dr. Komal Rao – Academics & Educational Background
Dr. Komal Rao’s academic journey spans medicine, wellness sciences, and elite professional training. She holds a medical degree and later expanded her expertise through global programs in leadership, health, and human performance. Dr. Rao is also an alumna of Harvard Business School certifying in management. She has earned her doctorate in Naturopathy, strengthening her foundation in holistic health and integrative well-being.
Her interest in athletic performance led her to formal training in Exercise Physiology through Stanford University, where she gained advanced understanding of human movement, endurance, and strength development.
Sports Psychology
To deepen her expertise in mindset and performance behavior, Dr. Rao has pursued specialized qualifications in sports and cognitive psychology, including:
- Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from the Beck Institute
- Professional Certification in Psychology from the American Psychological Association
These academic accomplishments contribute to her well-rounded approach as an athlete, coach, mentor, and public figure.
Dr. Komal Rao – Director, Administration – UCCA NGO
Dr. Komal Rao handles administrative portfolio for UCCA, the Unconventional Commando Combat Academy made of Ex-Forces instructors and veteran officers concerned with research and development of military training for counter terror and special operations.
This body works without compensation continuing its record of contributing to modernization for three decades under the guidance of India’s legendary commando trainers, Hon. Major Deepak Rao and Dr. Seema Rao.
Dr. Komal Rao – JKD Instructor in Art & Philosophy of Bruce Lee
Dr. Komal Rao is a certified instructor of Jeet Kune Do (JKD), the martial art and philosophy developed by Bruce Lee. Her training began under the guidance of Dr. Seema Rao and Dr. Deepak Rao, pioneers of JKD in India. She later earned her Full Instructor certification from Grandmaster Richard Bustillo, one of Bruce Lee’s original students—an accomplishment achieved by only a select few women worldwide.
She currently holds a Fifth-Degree Black Belt under the UCCA, blending technical skill, philosophy, and disciplined practice into her teaching approach.
Dr. Komal Rao – Pro MMA Athlete
Dr. Komal Rao is recognized for her exceptional presence in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. As a professional MMA competitor, she has stepped into the cage with remarkable determination, representing one of the few women from India to compete at this level. Beyond competing, she also leads and trains athletes as an MMA club owner and coach.
Her breakthrough moment came when she earned the title “Woman of Steel” after overcoming a male opponent in a high-intensity international bout—an achievement that places her among a rare group of women globally who have accomplished such a feat.
Dr. Komal Rao’s competitive spirit was on full display during the Young Blood Night 9 event. Originally scheduled to face Poland’s Elke Beinwach in the 52 kg category, she accepted a tougher challenge when her opponent failed to appear. Without hesitation, she moved up to the 60 kg division to fight Nikes from Guardian Gym, Germany.
She secured a decisive win by submission in the second round using a rear-naked choke—further solidifying her reputation as the only Indian woman known to have defeated a male fighter in an MMA cage match.
Dr. Komal Rao – Founder, Academy of Combat Fitness
India’s oldest and premier combat training academy teaching multiple martial arts under one roof. The first place and only authentic centre for Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do. Also, the first online start up since 2005 at Andheri, Mumbai.
Now, it is renamed as CATS (Combat Arts Training School) and KATA (Kombat Arts Training Academy)
CATS: https://jkdmumbai.com
KATA: https://blackbelttrainingmumbai.com
Dr. Komal Rao – TEDx & Motivational Speaker
Dr. Komal Rao is an engaging speaker who brings the principles and philosophy of Bruce Lee to modern audiences. Her thought-provoking sessions explore the deeper mindset behind Jeet Kune Do and its application to personal growth, discipline, and performance. As a featured TEDx speaker with an international following, she is frequently invited to deliver seminars on JKD philosophy across global platforms.
Dr. Komal Rao – Author
In addition to her athletic and instructional background, Dr. Komal Rao is also a published author. She wrote Art of the Dragon for Women’s Safety, a book advocating empowerment through martial-arts-based principles of self-protection. She also co-authored Unfreak Your Mind, a work rooted in Zen psychology that explores mindfulness, clarity, and emotional resilience.
Dr. Komal Rao – Zen Practitioner
With a decade of dedicated practice, Dr. Komal Rao is an experienced Zen practitioner. She has spent extensive time meditating in Soto Zen temples across South Asia, cultivating deep awareness and discipline. Her journey also includes training in the mindfulness-based art of Kenjutsu, the traditional Japanese practice of meditative swordsmanship. This blend of martial and meditative traditions shapes her balanced, grounded approach to life and performance.
Awards
Dr. Komal Rao has received multiple honors for her accomplishments in sport, leadership, and empowerment. She was presented with the Woman Super Achiever Award at the 6th World Woman Leadership Congress in 2019. Her contributions to performance, discipline, and training excellence were further acknowledged in 2025 with a Leadership Excellence Award.
Dr. Komal Rao – Actress & Sports Model
Dr. Komal Rao has also made her mark in the world of film and media. She starred as the lead character “Kayra” in the Indian MMA action film Hathapayi, showcasing her athletic ability on screen. Her modeling portfolio includes several high-visibility commercial campaigns, such as a widely viewed Horlicks advertisement and the Stand for Safety initiative with Volvo Cars—each garnering millions of views online.
Hathapayi Trailer 1
Hathapayi Trailer 2
In the News / Media Coverage
