Haki

Haki (覇気) is a form of spirit energy of sorts that a few notable characters use. The way it is common with the Kuja suggests it theorically could be used by anyone who learn it, although there are special types of Haki that only a certain group of "chosen ones" can use.

Usage
Haki is a form of energy that can be used in combat, emitting it directly to someone can destabilize an opponent, as well to be used in physical attacks or weapons.

It can be used to knock out someone else or a large group (although someone prepared can resist to it), predict someones action or neutralize a Devil Fruit power.

It was originally seen in the first chapter when Shanks used it against the Lord of the Coast in an attempt to save a young Luffy from the wrath of the Sea King. . The term "haki" was first coined and used when Shanks confronted Whitebeard on his ship, but it is only during the Sabaody Archipelago arc that the concept became more clear. Haki can be used to suppress the power of the devil fruit such as in the case of Luffy feeling pain when attacked by Sandersonia and Marigold, and also Silvers Rayleigh using his sword to make contact with Admiral Kizaru whose devil fruit power is Logia type.

So far the characters whom have clearly shown the use of Haki being Red Haired Shanks, Monkey D. Luffy , Silvers Rayleigh and the Kuja. It is expected that various other characters in the series who possesses enormous power are Haki users.

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 being the same type of power, but it may possibly be a branch ability brought into the Sky Islands by those from the blue sea.

Levels

 * Haoushoku　（覇王色） - Also known as the "King's Disposition". This is the Haki level achieved by a select chosen few (one in a millions). This Haki was powerful enough to take out many of the Kuja warriors who are already accustomed to regular Haki. So far the only two identified with this level of Haki are Luffy (who recently only began showing signs of and doesn't even know about it) and Boa Hancock.

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

Though Haoushoku　is translatable to "King", its meaning represents a "warring King", one who rules by power and conquest. The script translator Stephen uses "Overlord" as its translation.

Trivia

 * Haki apparently is similar in principle to common trope of Chi or Ki found in various other Anime and Manga series such as Dragonball.
 * Zoro's newest ability, the Asura, has been speculated to be generated directly from his spirit. Presumably, this makes it possible to assume that the technique has a similar principle to Haki