So after practicing it a bit in training mode, I feel more comfortable. The timing is weird, but the same for each character, save for a few below:
Carl (5C connects, 2C whiffs)
Azrael (5C connects, 2C whiffs)
Amane (5C connects, 2C whiffs)
Bang (5C connects, 2C whiffs)
Kagura (5C connects, 2C whiffs)
Yes, I know the combo is supposed to work on everyone, but those are special cases. I'm wondering if it has any relation to height, because everyone else was pretty easy.