[quote=@Vordak]
Easier? I agree to disagree. 

Imho, HtH gives a far better understanding of the fundamentals than throwing your powers around as 'get out of jail for free' card or for cheap damage.

EDIT: pardon the lazy response above, but to elborate, powers introduce a whole new layer of dynamics, under which the very basics can be easily lost to the newcomer. They might focus on using their powers the most, and do so to a certain degree of success, but at the same time, neglect to understand the flow of RP combat. 

Hand to hand may be more bland and restrictive, but it will force the combatants to actually think of how to use the tools at their disposal to the best of their extent and make them try get in their opponent's head, all while providing a somewhat simpler picture of what exactly is going on.
[/quote]

This. 

H2H is a lot harder to learn because you can't really bullshit those mechanics. You have to actually know what you're doing. With magic, you can sort of vague your way through, but up close abd personal, improper technique can and will fuck you.