Following graduation from OCTU (where most drill was with a rifle), I only touched a sword once - at OCC - and even then it was a practice sword! Not bad for nearly 34 years service.
As an afterthought - if it is seen that standards are slipping then I suspect that a sword drill computer training package will be produced that all JOs have to complete every year with threats of disciplinary action if they don't have the tick in time!