This is interesting. I'm in martial arts, long enough to the point where I teach people from time to time now. And yes, sometimes you just have to grab something and move it the right way to try and get it to click. Interestingly, as a woman, I find most of the time I don't have too many issues with this (or it being done to me), except when I'm dealing with adolescents (say about 12-17 years old or so) because I remember being so self conscious at that age, and also awkward because of all the growth and consequent balance changes.

OTOH, Aikido already involves tons of body contact, grappling, etc, so that probably makes it a bit easier. Fencing is so formal and people are separated by weapons, I can see it being a much bigger deal.

Still, it's something I think about now and then...