Haki

Haki (覇気) is a mysterious concept that only a few characters can use. It appears to be ability of sorts that channels one's Spirit. However, its true nature has yet to be determined or stated. There are special types of Haki that only a certain group of "chosen ones" are said to possess.

About
It was first seen when Shanks used it against the Lord of the Coast to save Luffy when he was a child from the wrath of the Sea King. The term "Haki" was first coined and used when Blackbeard was commenting Luffy's bounty in Jaya, but it is only during the Sabaody Archipelago arc that the concept became more clear. Haki can be used to attack directly ignoring the power of a devil fruit such as in the case of Luffy feeling pain when attacked by Sandersonia and Marigold. Another example is when Silvers Rayleigh used his sword to block Admiral Kizaru, whose Devil Fruit power is a Logia type (which usually means that no physical attack can touch him). It appears that Haki can be detected by those aware of it, as shown when Blackbeard takes a hit from Luffy and notes that his Haki has gotten stronger, even though Luffy never conciously used it on him.

Usage
When first seen, it was used to invoke fear into Lord of the Coast, causing it to flee in terror. Although, Haki can be used for both offense and defense in combat. Emitting it directly to someone can destabilize an opponent; and animals seem to be more susceptible to its effects than average people. It can also be used in physical attacks or with weapons. The noted most powerful usage seen so far is the ability to knock out someone else or a large group.

Known Users
So far the characters whom have clearly shown the use of Haki are:
 * Red Haired Shanks
 * Monkey D. Luffy
 * Silvers Rayleigh
 * Kuja tribe

Haoushoku Haki
Haoushoku (覇王色) is a high level of Haki that only a chosen few of one in a million are born with. A person with this level of Haki is powerful enough to take out many of the Kuja warriors who are already accustomed to regular Haki. So far, the only people confirmed with this level of Haki are Luffy (who recently only began showing signs of this power and doesn't even know about it) and Boa Hancock, who has yet to master it. It is also widely believed that "Red Hair" Shanks and "Dark King" Silvers Rayleigh both possess the Haoushoku Haki as they were also shown emitting a Haki Aura that knocked out many somewhat powerful people.

Translation and Dub Issues
The term "Haki" is a word that has multiple meanings when translated into English. It can mean "ambition", "will power", "drive" and "aspiration" to name a few.

Though Haoushoku is translatable to "King", it refers to a "warring king" or "conqueror", one who rules by power and conquest. The script translator Stephen uses "Overlord" as its translation.

Trivia

 * Haki appears to be and is speculated to be similar in principle to common types of Chi found in various other Anime and Manga series. However, the similarities haven't been confirmed yet and may all be coincidence.
 * The ability to "read" an opponent's attack is similar to Mantra as well its general description. Since the Sky Island is very isolated, it is unknown if Mantra is the same type of power.
 * Whitebeard and Jinbei have both struck down logia user Ace. It is unknown if they know Haki or did it through an yet unknown method.