What do you mean he does absolutely nothing? Well, try this. Get near a corner and do it. Sometimes when you train with fighters (like with the juggling combos especially) it works best near corners. That way you don't fuck it up by not being closer to the opponent. If it's not a juggling combo, then maybe just move to the other side of the opponent or something. Sometimes that happens to me where it's like you might punch someone but it doesn't hit them unless you're on the other side of them or something because of the way they're standing.

I mean he does nothing. He switches styles, but there is no fourth hit or anything. And I'm getting nowhere fast.
Obviously most of the people on this board has gotten past this part, so I'm wondering if there is something I don't know. Because this combo just isn't working.

Which character are you using? I mean I'm playing the game right now, so I could go into practice mode and use that certain style right now. Are you playing as Shujinko himself? Cuz I think I do remember one of the lessons with Bo' Rai Cho where you had to use your own styles and shit. I'll go test it out if you want.

problem is you gotta time it... EXACTLY right

You have to do it fast. I don't even look at the screen just press the buttons as fast as you can.. the only thing this doesnt work with is when a juggle is involved. then you have to watch for the timing.