All swords should be regularly inspected to ensure that mekugi are secure and that the safety lock between tsuka and saya is maintained (with mogi- to as well as shinken). Checks should also be carried out to ensure that the tang is strong enough to withstand the demands of practice (especially when students buy swords from unknown sources). All students should be reminded to carry out their own regular checks.
During keiko, sufficient space should be maintained between practitioners to ensure no accidents. Discipline and zanshin should be maintained during keiko and also before and after keiko when swords are being unpacked, cleaned, and packed up (the most likely occasions for accidents). Students should be encouraged to treat their swords with great respect and awareness at all times. This habit should be cultivated when using all swords and substitutes—shinai, bokken, and mogi- to as well as shinken. Swords should not be left propped up against walls nor left out in open space on the floor. Students should never step over swords and should learn correct procedure for passing swords from one person to another.
Before students are allowed to practice with shinken, they should have mastered tenouchi and secure stopping of the sword swing. During shizan, spectators should keep a safe distance away from the cutting stand and not stand directly behind it. Those inexperienced at cutting should be closely supervised. They should first practice the cuts away from the stand before attempting to cut. Care should be taken that they do not cut across their legs (for example, cutting right kesagiri with right leg forward). Those who are cutting should step well back from the target when adjustment of the target by an assistant is required.
The rhythm and intensity of keiko should be properly managed so that over-excitement does not compromise zanshin. This is particularly important with shizan and kumitachi. In kumitachi, the senior participant in each pair should be responsible for adjusting maai and stopping the drill if necessary. The teacher should watch for signs of fatigue or loss of concentration and adjust the practice accordingly before accidents occur.